Can Australia Defend Itself? Sure, for Five Minutes By James Reed
I have often concluded articles with the vision of a Chinese invasion. Is this the legacy of the “yellow peril,” or are we just sitting ducks? Well, as the political class is now only seriously looking at the question of whether or not we can defend ourselves, just on the eve of World War III, I am sorry to say, we are in deep trouble. Australia should have got nuclear weapons in the 1940s, but thanks to populate or perish, followed the Great Anglo-Saxon Replacement program instead, with no resistance. And, here we are a happy diverse multicult, but not even a light workout for the PLA.
“Anthony Albanese has launched a review of Australia's defence force amid fears that war is looming as tensions over Taiwan escalate.
The review, led by former Defence Chief Sir Angus Houston and ex Labor defence minister Stephen Smith, will advise the Government on how to prepare for potential conflicts over the next decade from 2023.
It comes after China sent 21 military planes into Taiwan's air defence zone after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi arrived in the capital Taipei for a congressional visit that has infuriated Beijing.
China - which believes Taiwan is part of its territory and not an independent nation - has dispatched a destroyer and a frigate into international waters off the east of the self-governing island which Beijing has vowed to reclaim by force if necessary.
Beijing has planned impromptu military drills, sparking fears of the first firing of missiles into the Taiwan Strait since 1995, the last time there was deep concern about the possibility of all-out war.
Mimicking the US approach of 'strategic ambiguity', Australia is not committed to defend Taiwan if China attacks but needs to be prepared for a conflict that may extend across Asia and even into the Pacific.
Australia's defence review, which Labor announced before the election, is due to report by March and will be the most comprehensive in 35 years.
The terms of reference for the review say the world is facing higher likelihood of war.
'The world is undergoing significant strategic realignment. Military modernisation, technological disruption and the risk of state-on-state conflict are complicating Australia's strategic circumstances,' the document says.
Speaking in a press conference on Wednesday, Sir Angus said Australia is facing the worst strategic environment he has ever seen.
'Clearly our circumstances have changed dramatically over the recent past. A land war in Europe, all sorts of issues in north-east Asia, particularly around Taiwan, east China Sea, issues in South-East Asia and issues up on the Himalayan border and northern India. So there's much happening,' he said.
'We also have disruptive technologies coming into play. It's a fast changing environment and it's absolutely imperative that we review the current strategic circumstances which I rate the worst I have ever seen in my career and life time, and what we need to do about it in terms of obviously the force structure, posture, and capability of the Australian Defence Force.'
The review will provide analysis of where and how defence assets and personnel are best positioned to protect Australia and its national interests.
It will also look at what more equipment needs to be purchased.
Defence Minister Richard Marles said the review will also consider how Australia's capabilities can be 'better integrate and operate' with the United States, the United Kingdom and other key partners.”
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