Former Australian Prime Minister Mr. Rudd believes that the AUKUS agreement between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the US is necessary due to China’s significant military expansion. AUKUS is aimed at sharing and developing common defense platforms, weapons systems, and technologies, rather than being a defense security treaty. The pact will help Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarines with assistance from the UK and US, and foster collaboration in defense science and industry among the three nations, potentially expanding to involve other allies in the future. China has been increasing its defense spending, with its military budget more than doubling since 2015, despite slower economic growth. The Chinese naval fleet, currently the largest in the world, is expected to grow to 400 ships by next year.
Mr. Rudd noted a shift in China’s ideological perspective under President Xi Jinping, leading to a more assertive approach in Chinese foreign security policy. There has been a rise in Chinese nationalism, emphasizing the Chinese Communist Party over the state and the individual. China has been asserting its military and territorial interests in the region, including in Taiwan, the East China Sea, and the South China Sea. An incident in the Yellow Sea saw a Chinese fighter jet dropping flares in front of an Australian seahawk helicopter, prompting protests from Australia. China initially claimed it was warning off a provocative Australian aircraft before accusing Canberra of spying on Chinese military exercises in the area.
Geopolitical tensions, particularly with China, have led many nations in the Indo-Pacific region to increase their defense budgets to maintain an appropriate military balance. Leaders are concerned about sustaining deterrence to prevent hostile military actions in the region, such as against Taiwan or in the South and East China Sea. Mr. Rudd emphasized the importance of strategic equilibrium across the Indo-Pacific region to sustain peace and deter potential threats. He highlighted the need to address the unprecedented challenges facing the region by focusing on military deterrence and maintaining stability.
Overall, the AUKUS agreement, driven by concerns about China’s military expansion, aims to bolster defense capabilities and collaboration among Australia, the UK, and the US. This collaborative effort is not a defense security treaty but focuses on sharing defense platforms, weapons systems, and technologies to enhance security in the region. The rise of Chinese nationalism and assertive foreign policy under President Xi Jinping has increased tensions and pushed nations in the Indo-Pacific to increase defense spending. Leaders in the region are focused on sustaining deterrence and strategic equilibrium to prevent hostile military actions and maintain peace in the Indo-Pacific amid growing challenges.
