Showing the value of Australia to American security isn't enough. Australia needs to arm up so that America is able to come to its aid if China threatens Australia. And show that it isn't futile for America to make the effort.
Australia should follow Japan's example:
The best way to ensure U.S. reliability is persuading Washington that the alliance is in its national interest.
In addition to peacetime military and intelligence benefits that America gets from Australia, in a war with China, Australia's value surges:
In a crisis or conflict, the U.S. force presence in Australia could swell substantially, exploiting the strategic depth offered by locations further from China’s missile arsenal. The value of Australia’s strategic real estate could increase if Canberra’s 2026 National Defence Strategy (NDS), expected around April, announces further steps towards joint planning and operations.
ASPI is preaching to the TDR choir. Australia should remember that they are far from threats--until they aren't. Distance from China offers only Maginot Line false security.
NOTE: TDR Winter War of 2022 coverage continues here.
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