Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in his 2023 Lowy Lecture, emphasized that Australia’s foreign policy and national security are defined by a “complementary focus” on capabilities and relationships. Australia’s role as a middle power is bound by “shared opportunity” and “collective responsibility.” This is certainly true for the Indo-Pacific (described by Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong as “the most consequential region of our time”), where intensifying geostrategic competition between China and the United States has complicated the fragile geopolitical landscape, and in turn impacted Australia’s security.
This year, the Albanese government released its inaugural “National Defence Strategy” (NDS), which reiterated the importance of deterrence, security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and, in turn, the defense of a rules-based global order for Australia’s national security interests.
But what does this mean for Australia’s strategic priorities and efforts to contribute to sustaining order in this region? Will Australia harden its stance on China, given the evolving nature of geopolitics and increasing ideological divisions across the world? What would be its trajectory with major Indo-Pacific stakeholders, including the other Quad partners and the European Union (EU)?
China: No Longer the Bugbear?
First, we need to understand the whims and waves of Australia’s relationship with China in recent years. When Australia released its foreign policy white paper in 2017, today’s highly divisive and fragile global geopolitical landscape was just emerging. The “America First” Donald Trump presidency had begun to cause ripples with its withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord and its hostile stance toward NATO and other U.S. allies. Meanwhile, the U.S.-China trade war was gathering wind amidst speculations of an Australia-U.S. rift over a refugee deal.
Notably, Australia-China diplomacy was at one of its lowest points at the time, primarily due to allegations of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/201
What specific capabilities does Australia aim to strengthen in its new defense strategy and how will these contribute to the ”complementary focus” mentioned by Dr. Jones?
## Australia’s New Defense Strategy: A Balancing Act?
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re discussing Australia’s evolving security posture in the Indo-Pacific region, following the release of their new National Defence Strategy. With us is Dr. Sarah Jones, a leading expert on Australian foreign policy and defense. Dr. Jones, thanks for joining us.
**Dr. Jones:** Pleasure to be here.
**Interviewer:** Prime Minister Albanese has recently underscored the need for Australia to balance both its capabilities and relationships in navigating the complex geopolitical landscape. How does this new defense strategy reflect that objective?
**Dr. Jones:** The 2024 Australian National Defence Strategy indeed emphasizes a “complementary focus” on strengthening Australia’s own military capabilities [[1](https://news.usni.org/2024/04/17/2024-australian-national-defense-strategy)]while simultaneously deepening partnerships with key allies, particularly the United States. This reflects the Albanese government’s understanding that security in the Indo-Pacific requires both a strong domestic defense posture and effective collaboration with like-minded nations.
**Interviewer:**
The Indo-Pacific region is increasingly seen as the center stage for geopolitical competition between China and the United States. How does the new strategy address these tensions?
**Dr. Jones:** The strategy carefully navigates this delicate balancing act. On one hand, it acknowledges the growing assertiveness of China and the need for Australia to deter any potential threats. On the other hand, it stresses the importance of maintaining open lines of communication and avoiding an escalatory spiral.
**Interviewer:** The strategy also mentions the significance of “collective responsibility” as a guiding principle for Australia’s foreign policy. What does this entail practically?
**Dr. Jones:** This concept reflects Australia’s commitment to working collaboratively with regional partners to address shared security challenges. This could involve joint military exercises, capacity building initiatives, and diplomatic efforts to foster regional stability. It speaks to Australia’s recognition that no single nation can effectively tackle the complex security issues facing the Indo-Pacific alone.
**Interviewer**: Dr. Jones, thank you for providing your valuable insights on this important topic.
**Dr. Jones:** My pleasure.