Pacific Ocean. (August 24, 2024): In this photo by Royal Australian Navy Seaman Mathew Lyall, a U.S. Marine Corps helicopter lands aboard the Australian Helicopter Land Dock Ship the HMAS Canberra during flight operations as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercises. Australian/Chinese relations hit a new low recently over a Defense Technology Agreement with America and Britain to provide nuclear powered submarine technology to Australia
Perth, Australia. (August 19, 2022): There are few things worse than a bad break up, especially when it involves world superpowers. The recent signing of a Defense Technology Agreement with Britain and America to give Australia nuclear submarines and China’s visceral reaction represent a new low in relations between the two nations. The brouhaha over submarines follows a series of tit for tat moves that have deteriorated relations to a dangerous level.
Australia is rightfully concerned about China’s military build up in its back yard and the increasingly belligerent attitude of the Chinese on trade and economic matters. Australia recently passed a law forbidding “covert political activity by a foreign power” to counter illicit Chinese efforts to influence Australian politics. China responded by imposing punishing sanctions on Australian coal, wine, wheat, and other agricultural products. Not to be outdone, the Australians banned Chinese telecom giant Huawei from operating within its borders.
These political skirmishes have led to a new sense of urgency by the Australians to expand defense ties with America to reinforce the military counterbalance to Chinese ambitions. The priority for America is to ensure “interoperability” between U.S. and Allied forces with Australian’s armed forces. The goal for American planners is to reinforce naval and land forces committed to the southwest Pacific to put the Chinese on notice that any attempts at restricting freedom of the seas will not be tolerated.
American servicemembers, including some 2,200 U.S. Marines, have deployed to Australia in recent weeks to train for just such a possibility. Support Our Troops is gearing up to meet the needs of active duty deployed servicemembers like these through our Yellow Ribbon Care Packages to boost morale. By donating to our Patriot Brigade®, you will join thousands of patriots who make monthly donations that pay for comfort items and recreational programs for our military deployed around the world. Please go to our secure website https://supportourtroops.org/donate to contribute to America’s finest today!