In this wide ranging and thought-provoking episode of the Saltwater Strategists, ANI Councillor Sam Fairall-Lee speaks with Michael Shoebridge, CEO of Strategic Analysis Australia and one of Australia’s leading strategic thinkers. Together they explore some of the drivers of China’s rise, and of its emergence as a rich, powerful and expansionist Indo-Pacific power.

They discuss some of China’s economic, military and technological strategies, the claim that China is a ‘peaking power’, the nature of its maritime domain, and the implications for Australia’s strategic environment. And they address the claim that America may soon surrender regional primacy to China.

They also delve into Australia’s responses to the China Challenge, including the recently released Defence Strategic Review and the current surface force review, Australia’s ability to secure its trade routes, and the role of nuclear deterrence. And Michael shares some advice on how Defence should apply lessons from Ukraine, and apply new technology in its warfighting concepts.

Join us for an engrossing discussion with one of Australia’s foremost experts on the China Challenge. It’s a conversation no national security practitioner should miss.