China in Djibouti: a history lesson
By Pawel Behrendt*
The opening of the Chinese military base in Djibouti on August 1st is a landmark event; China finally has its first overseas...
Chinese strategy for the Indian Ocean
* By David Scott
Chinese maritime strategy for the Indian Ocean reflects a couple of simple inter-related planks; espousal of a “two ocean” navy and...
Chiina looks seaward to be global power
China’s activity in the maritime domain reveals extensive strategic ambition. Furthermore, her seaward turn after millennia of continental focus and the building of a first-class global navy within a single generation is just a necessary stepping stone in her attempt to acquire a leading world role, Theodore Bazinis writes.
Evolution of PLA navy and China’s security interests
By Steve Micallef*
Since the beginning of the 21st century the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has steadily developed into a blue-water force able to rely on an ever increasing amount of modern equipment and platforms. This has been the result of years of intense effort on the part of naval planners in support of a more-forward oriented Chinese foreign and security policy. Hundreds of Australian jobs created in Offshore Patrol Vessel project
The Government has announced (Nov 2017) that Australia’s 12 Offshore Patrol Vessels will be designed and built under prime contractor Lürssen. The Offshore Patrol...
Charting Australia’s course in an increasingly illiberal world
By Nick Bisley*
Foreign policy white papers are strange creatures. As the past 14 years amply demonstrate, they’re not necessary for the conduct of effective...
White paper covers the key elements
By Paul Dibb*
The 2017 foreign policy white paper is a well-crafted document that covers the key elements of Australia’s foreign-policy outlook. In addition—unlike its...
White Paper prepares Australia for the many dangers ahead
By Jacinta Carroll*
Building a secure future for Australia starts with a strong national security strategy. With a focus on counterterrorism, organised crime and border...
‘Solution’ to build naval patrol vessels exposes ‘broken’ procurement system
By Nicholas Stuart*
In Defence terms, a $3.4 billion decision is a pittance, a mere bagatelle. Last week's stunning decision, however, splitting the build of our new patrol boats (now called "offshore patrol vessels") between two companies in two states simultaneously revealed how our politicians are capable of both sheer brilliance and utter incompetence.
New officers join fleet
After five months intensive training, Navy has graduated its newest group of officers from the Royal Australian Naval College, HMAS Creswell.
Commanding Officer Creswell, Captain...