Making sense of defence: how Australia is muscling up to China
The Defence Strategic Review offers solutions to reform the military amid a deteriorating security environment. But the hard fight for the government lies ahead.
When then-defence minister Stephen Smith released a 2013 defence white paper in the final months of Labor’s time in power, it opted for a glass half-full portrayal of China.
“The government does not approach China as an adversary,” the review said. “Australia sees the most likely future as one in which the United States and China are able to maintain a constructive relationship encompassing both competition and co-operation.”
Andrew TillettForeign affairs, defence correspondentAndrew Tillett writes on politics, foreign affairs, defence and security from the Canberra press gallery. Connect with Andrew on Facebook and Twitter. Email Andrew at andrew.tillett@afr.com
