AUSMIN 2022 in Washington was a case of nothing much to hear but more to see. In contrast to recent years, the Australian delegation said little publicly on China but, consistent with its two-track China strategy, reinforced foreign and defence policies designed to protect the national interest from Beijing’s aggressive actions. The major announcement—inviting Japan to join ‘force posture initiatives’, in which US military personnel and assets rotate through northern Australia, didn’t mention China—but was all about China.
The integration of a very close strategic partner into such a potent demonstration of regional military co-operation under the Australia–US alliance adds to the clear picture that like-minded nations are now openly looking to constrain China—including through military deterrence.
AUSMIN’s big stick lets Australia soften talk about China | The Strategist (aspistrategist.org.au)
