Part 7/10:
The timing of the Chinese diplomatic activities coincided with large-scale military exercises such as the U.S.-led Talisman Sabre, involving 45,000 troops. Such coincidental timing suggests a deliberate signaling strategy by China, demonstrating its maritime militia activities and possibly conducting intelligence collection off Australia's east coast during the exercises.
Langford indicates that China's influence operations are carefully choreographed within a broader geopolitical context. The simultaneous display of military muscle and diplomatic engagement reflects efforts to leverage multiple avenues of influence and assert dominance in the Indo-Pacific.