Australia arms itself

New defense strategy directed against China

New warships are being built, nuclear submarines are being purchased, Australia is arming itself.(Bild: AP)

For the first time, the Australian government has presented a national defense strategy. The plans provide for deterrence against China, in particular by upgrading the navy and increasing the number of missiles.

"The days of optimistic assumptions that defined defense planning after the end of the Cold War are long gone," said Defense Minister Richard Marles on Wednesday at the presentation of the 80-page document. Overall, Australia wants to increase defense spending over the next ten years from the current two percent to 2.4 percent of gross domestic product.

Defense Minister: "Damage even without invasion"
According to Marles, the greatest threat is attacks that block important sea and air routes and thus restrict Australia's ability to trade. "We are a maritime trading nation," said the Minister. He believes an invasion is unlikely, but Australia could also be seriously harmed without ever setting foot on its territory.

As previously reported, the government in Canberra is seeking to strengthen its naval forces with nuclear-powered submarines. With a tripling of missile stocks, the aim is to create the strongest navy in the country's history. Canberra fears escalation by China, particularly in the Taiwan Strait, in the South and East China Sea and on China's border with India. The defense strategy states that China has used "tactics involving the threat of force to achieve its strategic objectives".

Beijing: "China poses no threat"
The government in Beijing was appalled and called on Australia to stop accusing China "at every opportunity". "China does not pose a threat to any country," said a Foreign Ministry spokesperson. The People's Republic hopes that Australia will abandon its "Cold War mentality" and become more committed to peace and stability in the region.