China's ability to hit Australia with missiles 'real and growing' (opens original article in a new tab)

New analysis indicates China's military is enhancing its ability to strike Australia with missiles and threaten its infrastructure, with potential escalation if China establishes a Pacific base or develops long-range bombers.

• China's military is developing the ability to hit Australia with missiles, including from ships, submarines, and artificial islands in the South China Sea.
• China can already threaten Australia's trade routes, undersea cables, and critical infrastructure through cyber operations and naval presence.
• The report warns that a Chinese military base in the Pacific or new long-range bombers/drones could significantly escalate the threat to Australia.