Overview

• On July 27, Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce cautioned that Australia’s current defense posture threatens future generations amid China’s rapid military and nuclear build-up and aggression toward Taiwan.
• He argued that Australia’s strategic ambiguity on Taiwan must be reinforced by “incredible strength” and clearer commitments to deter Beijing’s ambitions.
• The Talisman Sabre exercises conclude this week with 35,000 troops from 19 partner nations and proposals for Taiwan’s future participation underscoring collective defense efforts.
• The Albanese government remains committed to 2.33% of GDP on defense spending through 2034 despite US calls for a rise to 3.5% in response to intelligence warnings of an imminent Chinese threat.
• Joyce pressed for deeper integration with allies through AUKUS, the Quad and similar pacts to bolster deterrence and uphold a democratic order in the Indo-Pacific.