New defence chief says war with China not 'imminent' but Australian military ready to support region
7 months, 3 weeks ago

New defence chief says war with China not 'imminent' but Australian military ready to support region

ABC  

Australia's highest-ranking military officer has talked down the prospect of an imminent war with China, but again warned the defence force must improve its recruitment and retention. "We have a remarkable Australian Defence Force, it's improving every day, Admiral David Johnston said in his first interview since taking on the top job of defence chief less than a month ago. Asked about the possibility of military escalation with China and whether he was prepared to be a "wartime defence chief", Admiral Johnston said he did not think a major armed conflict involving Australia and its largest trading partner was imminent. "By the time my two years comes through, I will be the longest-serving three-star or four-star we've ever had, so I think there's a part of me that says, 'Well, that's a point in itself,' … Government will need to make a decision and I'll need to make a decision," Admiral Johnston said. Defence chief says ADF security vetting adequate Australia's highest-ranking military officer has talked down the prospect of an imminent war with China.

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History of this topic

Australia’s military will recruit some noncitzens in a bid to boost troop numbers
9 months, 3 weeks ago

Australia’s military will recruit some noncitzens in a bid to boost troop numbers

Associated Press  

MELBOURNE, Australia — The Australian military will begin recruiting some noncitizens in a bid to boost troop numbers, the government said Tuesday. Marles, who is also deputy prime minister, said the change was a major step toward addressing a 4,400-person shortfall in the Australian Defense Force, whose target strength is 63,600 full-time personnel. New Zealand Defense Minister Judith Collins said …

Australian Defence Force recruitment to be opened to foreign citizens, causes government confusion
9 months, 3 weeks ago

Australian Defence Force recruitment to be opened to foreign citizens, causes government confusion

ABC  

In short: Foreign nationals will be able to serve in the Australian Defence Force in an attempt to boost recruitment. Defence Minister Richard Marles said expanding applications to include eligible permanent residents was "essential" to meeting Australia's security challenges in the years ahead. Opposition leader Peter Dutton slammed the new policy and the confusion surrounding it, labelling it the "biggest …

Australia plans major overhaul of defenses as China rises
1 year, 11 months ago

Australia plans major overhaul of defenses as China rises

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government commissioned the …

Australia defence review suggests Canberra to deepen ties with India, Japan amidst China military build-up
1 year, 11 months ago

Australia defence review suggests Canberra to deepen ties with India, Japan amidst China military build-up

India TV News  

Australia Defence Review Report 2023: Amid the soaring interference of China in the South China Sea, Australia, on Monday, released its latest Defense Strategic Review, wherein it emphasised the importance of expanding relationships and practical cooperation with key allies, including India and Japan. The review said Australia is facing a “radically different” strategic environment, including a military build-up by China, …

China's military dwarfs Australia's with less power, tanks, fighters and guns for war
3 years, 10 months ago

China's military dwarfs Australia's with less power, tanks, fighters and guns for war

Daily Mail  

There are increasing warnings that tensions between the trading partners could spill over into a real conflict The authoritarian state outspends Australia on defence by almost $200billion and has millions more soldiers But even with the massive cash injection, Australia still pales in comparison to China's huge military might Australia to shell out $747million to bolster the defence force and …

Australia to spend $270b building larger military to prepare for 'poorer, more dangerous' world and rise of China
4 years, 8 months ago

Australia to spend $270b building larger military to prepare for 'poorer, more dangerous' world and rise of China

ABC  

Scott Morrison has unveiled a more aggressive defence strategy aimed at countering the rise of China, while warning that Australia faces regional challenges on a scale not seen since World War II. Key points: Scott Morrison has committed $270 billion to defence spending over the next 10 years The ADF will get long-range anti-shipping missiles as it refocuses on possible …

Australia ramps up rivalry with China for influence in the Pacific
6 years, 1 month ago

Australia ramps up rivalry with China for influence in the Pacific

ABC  

As the Australian Government presses on with its pivot to the Pacific, no-one wants to use the "C" word. "This is one of the most intense periods, if not perhaps the most intense periods of engagement I think I've ever seen," Pacific expert James Batley from Australia National University said. The Chief of the Defence Force, General Angus Campbell, conceded …

British Defence Secretary warns Australia to remain vigilant to China intent
7 years, 1 month ago

British Defence Secretary warns Australia to remain vigilant to China intent

ABC  

One of Australia's key intelligence and security allies has warned of the need for vigilance to "any form of malign intent" from China, as it rapidly seeks to become a global superpower. Key points: British Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson says Australia shouldn't be blind to China's ambition Mr Williamson says Australia will travel through the South China Sea He says …

Australia's Chief of Army says ADF needs to plan to help the region with effects of climate change
11 years, 1 month ago

Australia's Chief of Army says ADF needs to plan to help the region with effects of climate change

ABC  

Australia's Chief of Army says the impacts of climate change need to be factored into future military plans, just days after the US Secretary of State described it as a weapon of mass destruction. During a visit to Indonesia this week, US Secretary of State John Kerry warned that man-made climate change could threaten the existence of low-lying islands in …

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