Archive · 4 Nov 2025
China's Military Buildup Demands Response, Australia's Defence Minister Says
Australia's defense minister said that China is building up its military more than any other country.
This worries Australia because it makes it harder and more dangerous for Australia's navy to protect important sea routes used for trade.
Because of this, Australia needs to do something.
The minister announced that Australia is spending more money to make its navy stronger and better at long-range attacks.
They are getting new ships and working on new technology like submarine drones.
This is all happening at a big meeting in Sydney where navies from many countries are gathered.
Some people protested outside the meeting, and a few were arrested.
Australia's Defence Minister Richard Marles stated China is undertaking the 'biggest military build-up in the world'.
Marles believes this build-up, without strategic reassurance, demands a response from countries like Australia.
Australia is increasing military spending to develop a 'more capable, lethal, long-range navy'.
This initiative includes acquiring frigates from Japan and developing submarine drones with a US company.
The comments were made at a naval conference in Sydney, where seven protesters were arrested following clashes with police.
- Who
- Australia's Defence Minister Richard Marles
- What
- Stated that China's military buildup demands a response and that Australia is increasing its military spending to build a more capable navy.
- When
- Tuesday
- Where
- Sydney, Australia, at an Indo-Pacific conference
- Why
- Concerns over China's military build-up, its lack of strategic reassurance, and the increasing risk to Australia's defence force protecting sea trade routes.
- Event
- Indo-Pacific Defence Conference
- Location
- Sydney, Australia
- Date
- Tuesday
- Key Participants
- Australia's Defence Minister Richard Marles, navy and coast guard chiefs from US, Japan, Philippines, Singapore, Pacific Islands
- Protests
- Seven arrests made during clashes with police