China's warships surprise US allies-new normality?

Von WOM

In the past three weeks, Chinese warships have had the coasts by Australia by bypassing and passed a distance of only 200 miles to Sydney. These maneuvers also include unprecedented Live fire exercises New Zealand, which took place without prior notice. This has triggered concern in both nations, since China's military power is no longer limited to the distant waters of the South Chinese Sea or Taiwanstrasse - where China's territorial aggression has increased under the leadership of XI Jinping - but is an alarming reality that is much closer to the native shores.

china shows military strength in the Pacific

At the same time, Chinese warships were also near Vietnam and taiwan sighted. This is part of a demonstration of Chinese naval power in the Pacific, which often makes US allies nervous. China is unreasonable and emphasizes his compliance with international law. According to State Media should be used to ensuring that Chinese warships in near are.

confidence in US defense disappears

In the past, Washington's partner found consolation in strong relationships with the USA. But this was ahead of Donald Trumps Explosive meetings subsequent command, to stop the military aid for the Ukraine . This incident in the Oval Office sharpened the concerns of the Pacific: If the United States is ready to turn Ukraine back - which would effectively reward Vladimir Putin's aggression in Europe - a similar scenario in Asia could take place if it is confronted with an aggressive Beijing.

The concerns about Aukus

Australia has ensured that the world is informed about China's movements in international waters in the South Pacific and publishes location updates from persecuting ship and surveillance aircraft from the Australian Navy every day. Defense Minister Richard Marles explained that the data collected was analyzed to understand exactly what China is planning and what message it would like to send.

China's Ambassador in Australia, Xiao Qian, claimed that China is not a threat to Australia while indicated that further visits to warships can be expected. "As a major power in this region, it is normal for China to send its ships to different parts of the region to carry out different activities," Xiao said in an interview with the Australian public service ABC.

reactions in the global context

In Washington, Trump meanwhile sent his own message to the US partners in Europe that they have to increase their military budget to protect Ukraine. Before his heated meeting with Selenskyj, Trump had planned to sign a mineral resource contract with the Ukrainian leader in order to compensate the USA for its support from Ukraine since Russia's invasion. But the signing ceremony was canceled, and Trump asked Selenskyj to “come back when he is ready for peace.”

By stopping military aid for Ukraine, Trump wanted to force rich European countries to take on more responsibility. Experts explain that Trump believes that the European countries have rely on the United States for decades without making an appropriate contribution.

India-pacific in focus

The urgency to focus on the aspiring challenge of China has been reinforced by China's recent military exercises. "It is a test of perseverance, for sure," said Drew Thompson, Senior Fellow am RSIs in Singapore, about the military exercises of China. "China creates a sphere of influence in the Pacific to test whether the countries in the region will resist." Many nations now check their defense budgets and strengthen their regional alliances to ensure that they are well positioned in times of geopolitical tensions.