China defended its military expansion on Tuesday, asserting that its growing defense capabilities contribute to global peace while criticizing a recent report suggesting an increased threat of a Chinese missile strike on Australia.
The Lowy Institute, a Sydney-based think tank, published a report on Sunday warning that China possesses the capability to launch a direct missile strike against Australia, with the risk escalating as Beijing continues to develop long-range and hypersonic weapons and expands its presence in the South China Sea through island construction. The report highlighted China’s advancements in missile technology, particularly the deployment of the DF-27 intermediate-range ballistic missile and the possible future introduction of conventionally armed intercontinental ballistic missiles. According to the report, these weapons systems could significantly enhance China’s strike range, potentially allowing it to target Australia directly within the next decade.
The DF-27 missile is reported to have a range between 5,000 and 8,000 kilometers (approximately 3,100 to 5,000 miles), according to a statement from the U.S. military last December. The think tank emphasized that its analysis focused on China’s military capabilities rather than its strategic intentions. It identified the greatest risk to Australia as being from Chinese missiles launched from naval vessels, including submarines, as well as from land-based intermediate-range systems.
In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian condemned the Lowy Institute's findings as a "serious strategic misjudgement." Lin stated during a news briefing that China remains committed to peaceful development and that its military growth is aimed at protecting national sovereignty, security, and developmental interests rather than targeting any specific country. He urged institutions promoting the so-called “China threat” narrative to adopt a more objective and rational perspective on China’s military modernization.
Australia has been recalibrating its defense posture over the past three years amid increasing maritime tensions and China’s rapid naval expansion. Canberra’s revised strategy emphasizes deterring potential threats from its northern approaches, reflecting concerns about regional stability amid escalating U.S.-China rivalry.
The contrasting views underscore ongoing disputes over strategic assessments in the Indo-Pacific, highlighting differing interpretations of China’s military trajectory and the implications for regional security.