Chinese drills near Australia prompt call for regional unity

Experts have described recent Chinese military exercises near the Australian coast as a "wake-up call" for Australia. They believe these drills, which included live-fire activities in Australia's exclusive economic zone, signal an increased Chinese presence in the region. The drills raised security concerns for both Australia and New Zealand and disrupted civilian air traffic. Rory Medcalf, a national security expert, stated that these exercises demonstrate a growing assertiveness from China. He emphasized the need for regional countries to prepare for more aggressive actions from China in the future. Medcalf pointed out that it is crucial for nations like Australia to manage their relationship with China to protect their interests. Masafumi Ishii, a professor from Japan, noted that the situation has been exacerbated by the United States' withdrawal from global engagement. He warned that this vacuum could allow China to expand its influence unless countries like Australia, New Zealand, and Japan work together to uphold regional stability. Ishii proposed forming a multilateral group, potentially called an 'Asian Quad', to counter China's assertiveness. Medcalf supported this idea, highlighting the importance of collaboration among countries to maintain a balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region. Both experts agreed that involving countries such as the Philippines and Indonesia is essential. These nations often face pressures from China and need support from their allies. They argued that a unified front could improve security and foster stability in the region.