'Beyond our capacity' to defend sea trade lanes, Greens senator says

Australia is too small to realistically defend international sea trade lanes, according to Greens defence spokesman David Shoebridge. He described the nation's pursuit of nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS agreement with the United States and United Kingdom as "ridiculous."

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I think we should have a very realistic view about China.

Shoebridge's comments come amid renewed debate over the AUKUS pact, particularly after the U.S. amended its submarine offer to Australia. He believes Australia should adopt a more independent and balanced approach to managing tensions with a rising China, rather than being drawn into Washington's strategic plans. "I think we should have a very realistic view about China," Senator Shoebridge stated, urging Australia to observe how its Asian neighbors manage their relationships with Beijing.

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And we should be looking at what our region is doing, which is trying to come up with a balanced approach to China and not go down a warpath with Washington.

Defence Minister Richard Marles has previously argued that nuclear-powered submarines are crucial for Australia to project force and protect its vital sea trade. He emphasized that the free passage of goods and energy across the seas is essential for Australia and the entire region. However, Shoebridge countered that Australia's defense strategy should be more "modest," focusing on protecting its own maritime approaches and continent rather than engaging in "global policing" far from its shores.

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We should have a complex relationship with China, but it shouldn't be entirely managed through Washington's war plans.