What is behind China's aggressive naval maneuvers near Australia?
Live-fire drills are a test for Trump


China's naval power has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years. In the latest sign of this growth, the country has conducted live-fire naval exercises off the coasts of Australia, Taiwan and Vietnam.
In military terms the Chinese exercises do not "have much significance," Su Tzu-yun, of Taiwan's Institute for National Defense and Security Research, said to The New York Times. They do, however, function as "political signaling" to Pacific nations that "their future lies in accommodating Beijing," said the Times. The exercises also come while "Washington is consumed with other matters," including Ukraine, the Middle East and budget cuts at the Pentagon.
The naval drills are, in addition, "seen as a test" for President Donald Trump, said Bloomberg. The president's "outreach to Russia, his ramped-up criticism of long-standing NATO allies and moves to raise tariffs" have raised questions about whether the United States will remain a "trusted security partner" to longtime allies. China is "testing the waters" to see how America will respond, said the Atlantic Council's Wen-Ti Sung. If the United States is seen as indifferent, said James Char of Singapore's S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, "it's a win for China."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
What did the commentators say?
China's maneuvers signal a "new era of sea power in the Southwest Pacific," Anne-Marie Brady said at The Diplomat. They show that the People's Liberation Army "could cut off the air and sea links between Australia and New Zealand at any time, with no warning." China is creating a permanent military presence in the region and wants other powers, including the U.S., to "know there is nothing they can do about it." It is clear that "we have entered a dangerous new era."
Beijing's aggressiveness highlights "Australia's vulnerability at the exact moment that the U.S. is demonstrating American unreliability," Peter Hartcher said at The Sydney Morning Herald. Trump is treating allies harshly and making territorial claims on NATO allies like Canada. That's the "ally upon which Australia has built its security." This puts Australia in an uncomfortable position, suddenly knowing "how it feels to have a rival navy operating off your coastline."
What next?
China said there was no reason to apologize to Australia for the drills, said The Guardian. The two countries are "friends, not foes or rivals," said Xiao Qian, Beijing's ambassador to Canberra. He added that "there is no need for Australia to feel concerned about the actions of the Chinese fleet." Australia's prime minister, Anthony Albanese, made clear there was plenty of concern. "We have protested," he said.
In the meantime, China's naval power continues to grow. Beijing is developing a "huge nuclear-powered aircraft carrier that would rival the biggest vessel in the American fleet," said NBC News. Such developments do have America's attention. The U.S. sees China as a "peer competitor," Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said, and the Defense Department is "prioritizing deterring war with China in the Pacific."
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Joel Mathis is a writer with 30 years of newspaper and online journalism experience. His work also regularly appears in National Geographic and The Kansas City Star. His awards include best online commentary at the Online News Association and (twice) at the City and Regional Magazine Association.
-
FCC greenlights $8B Paramount-Skydance merger
Speed Read The Federal Communications Commission will allow Paramount to merge with the Hollywood studio Skydance
-
A potential railway megamerger raises monopoly questions
The Explainer Union-Pacific and Norfolk Southern would create the country's largest railway operator
-
At least 12 dead in Thai-Cambodian clashes
Speed Read Both countries accused the other of firing first
-
Trump executive order targets homeless
Speed Read It will now be easier for states and cities to remove homeless people from the streets
-
Could Thailand and Cambodia really go to war?
Today's Big Question Thai leader has warned that recent hostilities over border dispute could lead to all-out conflict
-
Columbia pays $200M to settle with White House
Speed Read The Trump administration accused the school of failing to protect its Jewish students amid pro-Palestinian protests
-
Is Stephen Colbert's 'Late Show' cancellation an omen of something worse?
TODAY'S BIG QUESTION CBS said its decision to end the talk show was strictly business. But the timing and nature of the announcement has some observers wondering if there's more at play behind the scenes.
-
Trump officials who hold more than one job
IN THE SPOTLIGHT Wearing multiple hats has become the norm inside a White House known for a revolving door of functionaries and officials
-
Can Texas redistricting save the US House for the GOP?
Today's Big Question Trump pushes a 'ruthless' new plan, but it could backfire
-
Could Trump really 'take over' American cities?
Today's Big Question Trump has proposed a federal takeover of New York City and Washington, D.C.
-
'Alaska has the resources, but America needs the will'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day