Australia concerned about China's military power

(Baonghean.vn)- Australia is facing threats from China's increasingly powerful military and "hardened" terrorists returning home from conflict zones.

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop is expected to release the first foreign policy White Paper in 14 years, highlighting major threats to national security. Other serious concerns include cyber attacks, climate change and weapons of mass destruction.

Australia faces threats from China's growing military

The Daily Telegraph reported that the paper warned of major challenges facing Australia in the coming years, but did not make any policy recommendations. Although it did not predict that China would surpass the US military, it warned of the challenges that would arise from competition between the two powers.

“In parts of the Indo-Pacific, including Southeast Asia, China’s power and influence are growing to the point where it is on par with, and in some cases surpassing, the United States,” the White Paper states. “Like all major powers, China will seek to shape its regional influence to suit its own interests. As a result, we face an increasingly complex and contested Indo-Pacific.”

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop. Photo: AP

In addition, more than 200 Australian terrorists are fighting in conflict zones around the world, many of whom are expected to return home after the Islamic State (IS) group is defeated in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

The document warns of an increased terrorist threat as new groups fill the void left by IS and plot mass-casualty attacks in the region. It also warns that technological advances are giving terrorists access to advanced weapons, including biological weapons. Terrorists will continue to seek access to weapons of mass destruction and the world will face “new and growing challenges” in the coming decade./.

Lan Ha

(According to Daily Telegraph)