Rudd warns Australia could be drawn into US-China war despite low agency
Rudd estimates roughly a one-in-three chance of US-China conflict over Taiwan by 2028.
Kevin Rudd, Australia's foreign minister, told the National Press Club this week that the US alliance is vital but risky. The alliance strengthens Australian security, yet it carries serious risk.
Rudd declined to say whether Australia would have a choice if the US went to war with China over Taiwan. The foreign minister estimated roughly one chance in three of such conflict by 2028.
New data shows the US military controls or has access to more than 100 bases across Australia. US bombers already fly from Australian airfields.
US nuclear submarines will soon port in Western Australia. The alliance is needed but not enough for security, leaving Australia's true agency unclear.
- One in three by 2028
- Conflict probability
- 2028 presidential election
- Taiwan election
- More than 100 in Australia
- US military bases
- Kevin Rudd
- Foreign Minister
Why it mattersAustralia's deep integration with US military means it may be unable to stay neutral if the US enters conflict with China.
AustraliaAustralia hosts 100-plus US military bases from which US bombers operate, with nuclear submarines arriving next year, despite limited say in their use.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 12 d ago
