China's warships surprise US allies - new normal?

China's warships surprise US allies - new normal?

Over the past three weeks, Chinese warships have skirted Australia's coasts, passing within just 200 miles of Sydney. These maneuvers also include unprecedented Live fire drills in close proximity to New Zealand, which took place without prior notice. This has raised concerns in both nations, as China's military power is now no longer limited to the far-flung waters of the South China Sea or the Taiwan Strait - where China's territorial aggression has increased under the leadership of Xi Jinping - but is an alarming reality happening much closer to home.

China shows military strength in the Pacific

At the same time, Chinese warships were also reported near Vietnam and Taiwan spotted. This is part of a display of Chinese naval power in the Pacific that often unnerves U.S. allies. China appears unreasonable and emphasizes its compliance with international law. Loud State media Western countries should become accustomed to the presence of Chinese warships in nearby waters.

Confidence in US defense is dwindling

In the past, Washington's partners found comfort in strong ties with the United States. But this was before Donald Trump explosive meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the subsequent order, to stop military aid to Ukraine, happened. That Oval Office incident heightened concerns in capitals across the Pacific: If the U.S. is willing to turn its back on Ukraine — which would effectively reward Vladimir Putin's aggression in Europe — a similar scenario could play out in Asia when confronted with an aggressive Beijing.

The concerns about AUKUS

Australia has been ensuring the world is aware of China's movements in international waters in the South Pacific and is issuing daily location updates from tracking ships and Australian Navy surveillance aircraft. Defense Minister Richard Marles explained that the data collected will be analyzed to understand exactly what China is planning and what message it wants to send.

China's Ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, claimed said China was not a threat to Australia, while hinting that further visits from warships could 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 Australian public broadcaster ABC.

Reactions in a global context

Meanwhile in Washington, Trump sent his own message to US partners in Europe that they must increase their military budget to protect Ukraine. Before his heated meeting with Zelensky, Trump had planned to sign a mineral resources deal with the Ukrainian leader to compensate the U.S. for its support of Ukraine since Russia's invasion. But the signing ceremony was canceled and Trump called on Zelensky to “come back when he is ready for peace.”

By cutting off military aid to Ukraine, Trump wanted to force rich European countries to take more responsibility. Experts say Trump believes European countries have relied on the US for decades without making an adequate contribution.

India-Pacific in focus

The urgency to focus on China's emerging challenge has been reinforced by China's recent military exercises. “It's a test of endurance, for sure,” Drew Thompson, senior fellow at RSIS in Singapore, said of China's military exercises. “China is creating a sphere of influence in the Pacific to test whether countries in the region will resist it.” Many nations are now reviewing their defense budgets and strengthening their regional alliances to ensure they are well positioned in times of geopolitical tension.