Australian Defense Expert: Canberra Must Increase Defense Budget to Counter China's Threat

Sydney, May 25 (CNA) - Australian news site new.com.au published an interview with defense expert Jennifer Parker yesterday. Parker stated that Australia's defense readiness is weak and unlikely to withstand China's military threat, necessitating an increase in the defense budget to bolster readiness. Having served in the Royal Australian Navy for over 20 years and currently a visiting professor of defense and security at the University of Western Australia, Parker pointed out that Australia's lack of readiness has made it a target for China. Parker noted that China possesses over 370 combat vessels and 70 to 80 submarines, including nuclear-powered and nuclear-armed vessels, alongside a rocket missile force. Parker stated that Australia currently has only 10 combat vessels, which is insufficient to protect its maritime routes even with allies. "Our submarines are old; we have other rarely discussed issues, such as our very limited mine detection capabilities." Parker explained that this lack of readiness is the result of long-term low defense spending. "We have other deficiencies; for example, a lack of seabed survey capabilities makes it impossible to determine if sensors have been placed on the seabed. All these issues are caused by underinvestment over the past 30 years and current budgetary pressures." During the Cold War, Australia's defense spending was about 2.7% of GDP, but it is currently only 2.1%. Parker warned that China's naval activities are expanding, and Australia is facing its most serious regional threat since 1945. She believes China could block maritime routes or isolate key trading ports, and has invested heavily in undersea warfare. Parker concluded that the myth of China's "peaceful rise" has been shattered, and Australia must remain vigilant.