Part 9/11:
The importance of clear contingency planning
Both military and diplomatic preparedness are vital. Morrison emphasized the need to “plan for the worst” while hoping for the best. Australia’s assets—such as submarines and advanced missile systems—must be strategically positioned, and joint planning with allies should delineate roles and responsibilities clearly.
The core concern is whether China’s stated goal of reunification, especially with Taiwan, will trigger a regional or even global conflict. Chinese language media and strategic publications have publicly reiterated this goal, making it an immutable priority for Beijing. Conversely, the U.S. remains ambiguous—potentially a deliberate strategy—to deter Chinese aggression while avoiding escalation.