Australian Opposition Urges Defense Budget Hike and Sovereign Capability to Counter China's Threat
James Paterson, the shadow minister for defense, has called on the Australian government to be transparent about China's 'malicious behavior' and urged a significant increase in defense spending and manufacturing self-reliance to deter potential regional conflicts, including those involving Taiwan.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 28, 2026 at 16:42
- 🔍 Collected: April 28, 2026 at 17:02 (19 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 28, 2026 at 17:11 (8 min after Collected)
SYDNEY, April 28 (CNA) — James Paterson, the defense spokesperson for the opposition Liberal Party, stated that the Australian government should honestly inform the public about China's 'malicious behavior' to prepare the nation for current threats.
In a speech at the National Press Club today, Paterson criticized the government for 'sugarcoating' the Australia-China relationship. 'If the Australian public understood the probability of conflict in our region and how ill-prepared we are, they would be on the streets demanding more defense spending,' he said.
Paterson highlighted China's 'coercive, dangerous, and reckless behavior' in the South China Sea, where the Chinese coast guard and maritime militia are undermining the international security order. He noted with concern the systematic transformation of reefs and islands into dual-use facilities for clear military purposes.
Paterson also criticized China's flagrant disregard for rulings by international courts, specifically the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruling that invalidated China's claims in the South China Sea. He warned that for great powers, obeying rules has become an 'optional extra.'
Regarding the regional order, Paterson specifically mentioned Taiwan. He argued that if President Xi Jinping decides to annex Taiwan by force, international law would not stop him, and Australia cannot rely solely on its powerful ally, the United States, for protection. He noted that while the US's will to maintain the order might be waning, China is committed to reshaping the power structure of the Indo-Pacific.
He concluded that Australia's task is to contribute its share to a 'credible collective deterrence' to prevent regional conflict or defend its own interests if prevention fails. This necessitates an immediate push for increased defense spending and sovereign manufacturing autonomy.
In a speech at the National Press Club today, Paterson criticized the government for 'sugarcoating' the Australia-China relationship. 'If the Australian public understood the probability of conflict in our region and how ill-prepared we are, they would be on the streets demanding more defense spending,' he said.
Paterson highlighted China's 'coercive, dangerous, and reckless behavior' in the South China Sea, where the Chinese coast guard and maritime militia are undermining the international security order. He noted with concern the systematic transformation of reefs and islands into dual-use facilities for clear military purposes.
Paterson also criticized China's flagrant disregard for rulings by international courts, specifically the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruling that invalidated China's claims in the South China Sea. He warned that for great powers, obeying rules has become an 'optional extra.'
Regarding the regional order, Paterson specifically mentioned Taiwan. He argued that if President Xi Jinping decides to annex Taiwan by force, international law would not stop him, and Australia cannot rely solely on its powerful ally, the United States, for protection. He noted that while the US's will to maintain the order might be waning, China is committed to reshaping the power structure of the Indo-Pacific.
He concluded that Australia's task is to contribute its share to a 'credible collective deterrence' to prevent regional conflict or defend its own interests if prevention fails. This necessitates an immediate push for increased defense spending and sovereign manufacturing autonomy.