Australia Warns of China’s Military Build-Up and Commits to Strengthening Naval Capabilities
Defence Minister Richard Marles describes Beijing’s forces as the largest build-up in the world and says Australia must respond by building a more capable navy
Australia’s Defence Minister, Richard Marles, addressed a major naval conference in Sydney by declaring that China is undertaking “the biggest military build-up in the world today” and warning that the protection of Australia’s sea trade routes is becoming “increasingly risky”.
He said that the freedom of sea lanes through the South China Sea and East China Sea lies at the heart of Australia’s national interest.
In his speech to the Indo-Pacific naval conference, attended by senior naval and coast guard chiefs from the United States, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore and Pacific Island nations, Minister Marles said China’s build-up was proceeding “without strategic reassurance,” insisting that Australia and many other countries must respond.
He cited a recent incident in which a Chinese fighter jet dropped flares near a Royal Australian Air Force maritime patrol aircraft over the South China Sea, an act Australia has described as “unsafe and unprofessional”.
The minister said Australia is ramping up defence spending to build “a more capable, lethal, long-range navy”.
Included in the efforts is the acquisition of frigates from Japan, development of submarine-drones with the U.S. defence firm Anduril, and expansion of naval shipyards facing the Indian Ocean, all intended to improve Australia’s capacity to project and defend across its maritime approaches.
The conference came at a pivotal moment as Australia prepares to build its first nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS (Australia-United Kingdom-United States) partnership and confronts a strategic environment shaped by rapidly escalating Chinese maritime power.
Outside the conference centre in Darling Harbour, about one hundred protesters—including pro-Palestinian groups—gathered, and New South Wales police confirmed the arrest of seven individuals after clashes.
Minister Marles’ remarks reinforce Australia’s determination to ensure its maritime domains remain secure, its alliances remain robust, and its defence posture remains ahead of emerging strategic challenges.
He said that the freedom of sea lanes through the South China Sea and East China Sea lies at the heart of Australia’s national interest.
In his speech to the Indo-Pacific naval conference, attended by senior naval and coast guard chiefs from the United States, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore and Pacific Island nations, Minister Marles said China’s build-up was proceeding “without strategic reassurance,” insisting that Australia and many other countries must respond.
He cited a recent incident in which a Chinese fighter jet dropped flares near a Royal Australian Air Force maritime patrol aircraft over the South China Sea, an act Australia has described as “unsafe and unprofessional”.
The minister said Australia is ramping up defence spending to build “a more capable, lethal, long-range navy”.
Included in the efforts is the acquisition of frigates from Japan, development of submarine-drones with the U.S. defence firm Anduril, and expansion of naval shipyards facing the Indian Ocean, all intended to improve Australia’s capacity to project and defend across its maritime approaches.
The conference came at a pivotal moment as Australia prepares to build its first nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS (Australia-United Kingdom-United States) partnership and confronts a strategic environment shaped by rapidly escalating Chinese maritime power.
Outside the conference centre in Darling Harbour, about one hundred protesters—including pro-Palestinian groups—gathered, and New South Wales police confirmed the arrest of seven individuals after clashes.
Minister Marles’ remarks reinforce Australia’s determination to ensure its maritime domains remain secure, its alliances remain robust, and its defence posture remains ahead of emerging strategic challenges.
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