A Cause for Concern?
On Tuesday, Australia announced a significant agreement with the United States to acquire long-range missiles worth A$7 billion ($4.7 billion). This move has raised concerns among some experts who believe it could disrupt regional peace and stability.
The deal involves the purchase of Standard Missile 2 Block IIIC (SM-2 IIIC) and Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) missiles, which will be deployed across the Australian Navy's Hobart class destroyers and future Hunter class frigates. The Australian government stated that these missiles will bolster the country's air and missile defense capabilities.
However, experts like Chen Hong, director of the Australian Studies Center at East China Normal University, believe that this deal could be part of a larger US strategy to establish a hegemony system in the Indo-Pacific region. He argues that the US is seeking to bolster its strength through alliances and partnerships, with Australia expected to contribute both financially and militarily.
Chen further suggests that the US wants to enhance its military presence in the Asia-Pacific region by deploying forces in military bases in Australia, including through missile deals. This, he believes, could increase Australia's own security risks and destabilize the region.
The substantial investment in military equipment like missiles, according to Chen, may not necessarily translate into significant security benefits. He concludes that this decision could be unwise and detrimental to regional stability and development.
7 Comments
Muchacho
This agreement is a step towards militarization of the Indo-Pacific region. We should be working towards peace and cooperation, not conflict.
KittyKat
This is a slippery slope. Once we start down this path, it's hard to turn back. We'll end up in an arms race that no one wins.
Loubianka
This is a dangerous escalation. We should be looking for ways to de-escalate tensions, not adding more weapons to the mix.
BuggaBoom
Buying American missiles won't make us safer. It'll just make us a bigger target for attack.
Noir Black
This is a waste of taxpayer money. We could be using this money to invest in our own research and development of missile technology.
Muchacha
We should be building bridges, not walls. This deal will only create more division and distrust in the region.
Bella Ciao
This deal is bad for the environment. The production and use of these missiles will have a significant impact on the environment.