China’s nuclear-capable missile test is the most significant recent show of force in the region that shows Beijing intends to be a bigger security presence in the Pacific, experts say, with some suggesting the Albanese government must reconsider the “stabilisation” strategy it has pursued.
USSC CEO Dr Michael Green spoke with The Australian on this development, saying the test firing showed how military voices were increasingly prominent in the Chinese leadership and economic or diplomatic interests had been sidelined and that the exercise allowed the Chinese People’s Liberation Army to practise military operations and that a war in North Asia involving Taiwan, Japan or The Philippines could see China aim to threaten the Pacific islands in a bid to cut off Australia.