China Could Strike Key US Ally in Pacific: Report
Summary
China is building long-range missiles that could reach Australia, a key U.S. ally in the Pacific, raising concerns about regional security. A report from Australia’s Lowy Institute says China’s military growth challenges U.S. dominance and could threaten important trade routes and infrastructure in the region.Key Facts
- China’s military, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), is expanding its missile range to potentially strike Australian territory.
- The DF-26 missile can hit northern Australia when launched from China’s bases in the South China Sea.
- A newer missile, the DF-27, might cover all of Australia from mainland China, according to the Lowy Institute and the U.S. Defense Department.
- China’s military buildup pressures regional countries to follow Beijing’s interests, partly due to the importance of Taiwan in China’s military plans.
- China’s defense spending might be about twice as high as official numbers, possibly reaching $540.7 billion.
- Australia depends heavily on maritime trade routes and subsea cables, which could be vulnerable in a conflict.
- China states its military growth aims to protect its sovereignty and is not meant to threaten other countries.
- China’s nuclear weapons stockpile could triple by 2035, and they have missiles capable of reaching the U.S. mainland.
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