Australia outmanoeuvring China in Pacific

Australia is outmanoeuvring China in the Pacific by expanding defense partnerships and tightening security cooperation amid growing regional pressure. The shift is reflected in the past year as Australia doubled its mutual defense treaties, signing new pacts with Papua New Guinea and Fiji, and adding a cooperation agreement with Vanuatu last month that is intended to block any future attempt by China to establish a military base there. Australia also has additional deals in progress with the Solomon Islands and Tonga. Commentators say Australia’s actions are designed to counter China’s influence while broadening the regional security “net.” The article notes China reacted sharply, launching a ballistic missile test into the Pacific on the same day Australia announced its pact with Fiji, which experts viewed as a message to Canberra and Pacific nations. Under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Australia is also increasing defense spending and developing stealth capabilities, including “Ghost Bat” MQ-28A drones and underwater vessels called “sharks.”