China's missile strike capability on Australia growing, warns Lowy Institute report
A Lowy Institute report warns that China's ability to launch direct missile strikes on Australia is growing, driven by Beijing's accumulation of long-range and hypersonic weapons and island-building in the South China Sea. The report identifies Chinese missiles fired from ships, submarines, and new intermediate-range ballistic missiles as the main threat. It projects that China's capacity to strike Australia will increase over the next decade with the growth of weapons like the Dong Feng (DF)-27 intermediate-range ballistic missile. This assessment underscores the significant shift in Australia's security landscape, prompting a military strategy focused on deterring adversaries from its northern approaches.
Key Points
- A Lowy Institute report indicates China's growing capability for direct missile strikes on Australia.
- The threat is attributed to China's long-range and hypersonic weapons and island-building in the South China Sea.
- Missiles from ships, submarines, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles are identified as primary threats.
- China's strike capacity is expected to increase over the next decade with the deployment of advanced missiles like the DF-27.
- The report highlights a significant change in Australia's security environment, influencing its defense strategy.
Exam Facts
- Report by: Lowy Institute.
- Missile mentioned: Dong Feng (DF)-27 intermediate-range ballistic missile.
- DF-27 range: 5,000 to 8,000 kilometers.
- Sam Roggeveen is the director of the Lowy Institute's International Security Programme.
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