Australia Increases Defense Budget; Incoming Defense Chief Cites China Threat

According to the Central News Agency, Australia's public broadcaster ABC reported that current Royal Australian Navy Chief Mark Hammond, who is set to become the Chief of the Defence Force in July, stated that the approach of a Chinese "flotilla" near Australia and New Zealand last December was a key factor in Australia's decision to increase its defense budget. Hammond attended the Indian Ocean Defence and Security Conference in Perth, where he explained that China's actions had caused anxiety among the public in both nations. He analyzed that the Indo-Pacific order is shifting from a "rules-based system" to a "power-based system," driving defense spending across the region. Regarding the AUKUS security partnership, Hammond acknowledged the challenges, including the domestic construction of nuclear-powered submarines, but emphasized the importance of avoiding the politicization of the project and maintaining transparency with partners. He expressed confidence that Australia could overcome these challenges, citing the nation's history of overcoming submarine development difficulties.