Stuck between superpowers: How Australia navigates the China-US rivalry

Australia is preparing for a worst-case scenario while trying to balance the China-U.S. rivalry. The article describes a large joint exercise, “Southern Jackaroo,” involving Australian, American and Japanese forces, staged in an environment far from recent conflict—Townsville last saw fighting in World War II. Brigadier Ben McLennan says training for a more likely war is crucial, citing rising global volatility and regional concerns tied to higher fuel prices and inflation linked to events including Iran and Ukraine. Australia deepens security ties with the U.S., even as China remains its biggest trading partner. The exercise has grown, with U.S. Marines rising from 200 in 2012 to about 2,500 now, and includes upgrades such as RAAF Tindal supporting long-range B-52 bombers.