China modernising its military at unprecedented scale, ties with India key for 'balance of power': Australia

Australian foreign minister Penny Wong emphasized the importance of Australia's strategic ties with India amid China's military expansion. Wong warned that China's military modernization is unprecedented and lacks transparency. She also highlighted the destabilizing behavior of North Korea. Wong stated that Australia's partnership with India is crucial for maintaining the strategic balance of power in the region. Australia, India, the US, and Japan are part of the Quad, a strategic group aimed at countering China's expansion in the Indo-Pacific. Wong called for partnerships to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific, grounded in sovereignty.