China test-fires intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean
NBCSep 25
Australia Ramps Up Missile Production
story
Above: Members of the public walk alongside HMAS Sydney, one of four Royal Australian Navy ships docked during open day festivities at Garden Island Fleet Base East on Feb. 25, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. Image copyright: Lisa Maree Williams/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Following China's recent test firing of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in the South Pacific, Australia announced plans to bolster its missile defense systems and long-range strike capabilities.
Minister of Defense Industry Pat Conroy said they will build an AU$316M ($207M) factory to manufacture Lockheed Martin’s Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS), which will begin manufacturing 4K GMLRS annually in 2029.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Australia has no choice but to boost its missile capabilities to counter China and safeguard regional stability. While this strategy should be preventative and de-escalating in nature, the rapid advancement of Beijing's naval and missile systems requires Canberra to enhance its own deterrence and power projection from its northern territories. This should be a group effort between Australia, the US, and other Pacific region militaries.
Establishment-critical narrative
The entire Asia Pacific region must seriously consider the consequences of partnering with the warmongering US. These missile programs — particularly regarding covert nuclear-armed submarines — are not aimed at maintaining peace but rather enriching American weapons companies and provoking China. The US doesn't care if Southeast Asian countries bear the brunt of its cold war with Beijing, which should worry everyone involved.
