Australia must get new missiles in face of ‘rising China’ – politician

The shadow defense minister says Canberra needs to arm itself amid Asia-Pacific tensions Australian soldiers during a military exercise in Melbourne, Australia, 2019. © William West / AFP

Australia must acquire its own “sovereign” missiles with the help of the US and Britain in countering China, Shadow Defense Minister Andrew Hastie has said.

“The strategic outlook is very bleak. It’s being driven by a rising China with both revisionist and expansionist ambitions,” Hastie, who served as deputy defense minister from 2020 to May 2022, told ABC on Sunday.

“Which is why we need missiles that can reach out and touch an adversary,” he said, adding that Canberra should work closer with the US and the UK on the matter.
“We need to partner to develop our own sovereign missiles, Australian-owned, Australian-delivered, if required.” (RT)