An Australian think tank report proposes that Japan and Australia divide efforts to strengthen ties with Pacific island nations, aiming to maintain critical supply lines and prevent China from establishing a military foothold in a potential war. In a regional conflict initiated by Beijing, the United States would focus on direct combat with China, leaving allies to shoulder most of the responsibility for protecting their supply chains.
As Japan and Australia deepen their strategic partnership, a report from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) recommends dividing responsibilities for enhancing relations with Pacific island nations. The goal is to secure vital supply lines and block China from gaining a military presence in the region during a possible conflict.
Scheduled for release on Friday, the report highlights that in a Beijing-initiated regional war, the United States would prioritize engaging China directly, requiring allied countries to handle much of the burden for safeguarding their own logistics networks.
"The maritime supply lines linking Australia and Japan with each other, and with their U.S. ally, would become Chinese targets as these could determine the outcome of a regional conflict," stated the report's author, ASPI senior analyst Alex Bristow.
This proposal underscores concerns over China's expanding influence in the Pacific, positioning Japan and Australia as key quasi-allies in maintaining regional stability through coordinated efforts.
