Wary of China, Australia to boost defense dollars

July 2, 2020

The Washington Times

Australia, which has watched China’s aggression in the region with increasing unease, is making a major long-term investment to boost its military and strengthen links with the U.S., Prime Minister Scott Morrison told the nation Wednesday.

In a live-streamed speech at the Australian Defense Force Academy, Mr. Morrison outlined a $186 billion, 10-year plan designed to support a bigger, more aggressively equipped military. The plan includes working with the United States to develop missile defense for deployed forces while stockpiling long-range missiles that can protect shipping lanes.

Mr. Morrison’s plan also calls for new or increased investments in military satellites, drones, enhanced cyber capabilities and an underwater surveillance system. Stars and Stripes, the military newspaper, carried an account of the speech Wednesday.

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