ASPI’s Bec Shrimpton testifies before the USCC
On 21 March, ASPI’s Director of Defence Strategy and National Security, Rebecca Shrimpton, testified for the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission’s (USCC) hearing on ‘China’s Evolving Counter Intervention Capabilities and Implications for the United States and Indo-Pacific Allies and Partner’.
The testimony examined the challenges posed by China’s rise and the impact on Australia and the Indo-Pacific region. It also reiterated the need for Western strategists to develop a better understanding of Chinese strategic thinking to effectively counter China. During the testimony, Ms Shrimpton highlighted the concept of “active defence”, which she argued demonstrated that China’s national security strategy extends to pre-emptive offensive operations including the grey zone phase.
With this understanding in mind, the testimony explored China’s military modernisation with respect to its naval, air and space forces. Through PLA activities such as the creation of forward bases in the South China Sea and provision of policing capabilities to Pacific Island countries, China has significantly increased its footprint within the Indo-Pacific region. Outside of the military domain, China has also used political interference and economic coercion to increase its influence in Australia.
As made clear in the 2023 Australian Defence Strategic Review and the 2020 Defence Strategic Update, the challenges posed by China in the Indo-Pacific region show that Australia no longer has ten years, or necessarily any, strategic warning time in the event of a major power conflict. In this context, Ms Shrimpton recommended Australia boost its integrated deterrence and increase burden sharing with its ally, the United States. The importance of cooperating with likeminded partners through minilateral formats such as AUKUS, the Australia-US-Japan trilateral and the Quad was also explored.
The full transcript can be accessed here.