In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, the prime minister of Australia, Scott Morrison, launched a new defense and security strategy for Australia. This strategy reset puts Australia on the path of enhanced defense capabilities. The change represents a serious shift in its policies towards China, and in reworking alliance relationships going forward.
It is a shift several yers in the making, with Australia re-focusing on its region.
In this video, the ADF explains the shift with regard to the Middle East.
“Australia is reducing its maritime presence in the Middle East to enable greater focus on the Indo-Pacific region.
“The changes include ceasing the annual deployment of a Royal Australian Navy ship to the Middle East, and not extending Australia’s time-bound commitment to the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC) beyond December 2020.”
The focus is a reinforcement of enhancing the working relationships in Indo-Pacific, both in terms of whole of government efforts as well as by the ADF itself.
In the slideshow below is shown the following:
“19-20 October 2020 HMAS Arunta conducted a passage exercise with Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force ship JS Kirisame in the South China Sea. HMAS Arunta sailed from the Port of Darwin on 11 October for a six-week East Asia Deployment.
“HMAS Arunta, which recently returned to Australia from a three-month regional deployment, will undertake a number of engagements as part of the East Asia Deployment. The ADF is committed to strengthening its longstanding security partnerships across the Indo-Pacific. Our relationships are based on mutual respect, trust and a shared vision for a secure, open, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific.”
Later this year, we are publishing a book on the evolution of Australian defence strategy.
In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, the prime minister of Australia, Scott Morrison, launched a new defense and security strategy for Australia. This strategy reset puts Australia on the path of enhanced defense capabilities.
The change represents a serious shift in its policies towards China, and in reworking alliance relationships going forward. “Joint by Design” is focused on Australian defence modernization and policy, but it is also about preparing liberal democracies around the world for the challenges of the future.
