The Willing Ally? Australian Strategic Policy in A Contested Asia

Abstract

Australia has long been a key ally of the United States in the Asia-Pacific, and it has welcomed US announcements of a 'pivot' towards the region in the face of a rising China. Canberra will lend political support, provide US forces with greater strategic depth, and offer selective military contributions, particularly in the eastern Indian Ocean and the Malacca and Lombok Straits. However, Benjamin Schreer and Sheryn Lee argue that, barring a dramatic change in the strategic environment, Australia will retain its focus on the immediate neighbourhood and will remain sceptical of attempts to construct an anti-Chinese coalition.