Kathrine Frich
Every nation wants to feel secure within its own borders.
As technology advances and global powers expand their reach, traditional safety nets are starting to look much thinner.
Now, a stark new warning is forcing one country to look nervously toward the sky.
A growing shadow
According to a new report from the Sydney-based Lowy Institute, Australia faces an escalating security risk. The think tank published findings on Sunday detailing Beijing’s rapid military expansion.
The assessment states that China now holds the capability to launch a direct missile strike on Australian soil.
Researchers point to a steady buildup of long-range weapons and new artificial islands in the South China Sea.
Experts warn the main danger comes from weapons fired from ships and submarines. The threat also relies heavily on the DF-27 intermediate-range ballistic missile launching directly from the Chinese mainland.
The United States military previously noted this specific weapon boasts a massive range of 5,000 to 8,000 kilometres. However, the institute clarified they are only measuring physical capabilities, not predicting actual political intentions.
Beijing pushes back
Chinese officials quickly dismissed the think tank’s alarming conclusions. Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian called the assessment a “serious strategic misjudgement” by the researchers.
The spokesperson insisted that Beijing remains firmly committed to a peaceful future. He told reporters, “The growth of China’s military strength represents an increase in the forces for world peace,” according to the AFP news agency.
Lin added that the ongoing military expansion is strictly about protecting the nation. “China’s development of military strength is intended to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests and is not directed at any specific country,” he stated.
He also urged independent groups to “stop hyping up the so-called China threat” and asked them to view the global situation rationally.
Changing the strategy
The recent think tank report highlights a reality that Australian defense officials already recognize. Three years ago, the country completely overhauled its own military strategy to prepare for new realities.
That strategic shift happened as China rapidly expanded its massive naval fleet. It also followed years of rising political tension between leaders in Beijing and Washington.
To adapt, the Australian military shifted its primary focus. Defense planners are now heavily concentrated on protecting the northern approaches to the continent.
The goal is to deter potential adversaries long before they can reach the mainland shores.
Sources: AFP, Hong Kong Free Press, Lowy Institute
