Australia joining Naval Task Force to stop China in the Indo-Pacific

Washington/Canberra/Beijing – Australia has indicated that it may join the Naval Task Force being formed by the United States to counter the military ambitions of China in the Indo-Pacific sector. It is revealed that senior defence official in Biden administration, Ely Ratner gave this information during the US Congressional hearing. As per the claims, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has taken a positive stand in the matter.

A few months ago, US President Joe Biden had ordered the defence department to prepare a report regarding China. This report was prepared under the leadership of Ely Ratner, who was recommended for the post of Assistant Secretary in the defence department. Following submission of this report to the defence department, US Secretary of Defence, Lloyd Austin, issued instructions to the defence forces for countering the Chinese threat. As per the instructions, moves have started to form a permanent ‘Naval Task Force’. Moreover, a ‘Named Military Operation’ for the Indo-Pacific region has been created.

Last week, Ratner appeared for a hearing in front of the ‘Senate Armed Services committee’ of the US Congress. He informed that the United States has started moves to form ‘Combat Credible Forward Posture’ in the Indo-Pacific region to counter the increasing Chinese military movements during the hearing. Ratner indicated that a country like Australia could be a part of the mission. At this time, he warned that Australia could play an essential role in stopping the Chinese aggression. He also stressed that its participation in the task force is important. Ratner also pointed out that this independent US Task Force will even protect Taiwan from a military attack.

Ratner informed during the Congressional hearing ‘The US Task Force will have new war concepts. This force will be advanced, capable and always in a state of readiness. The efficient units of partner and allied countries will be a part of this task force. The force will have the capability to stop any enemy aggression and, if required, retaliate against the aggression.’ At this time, he mentioned the capabilities and activities of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army and warned that it is mandatory to be in a state of readiness.

During the G-7 summit, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison had warned that the western countries need to form a front against the monopolistic Chinese regime. Last year, during the Two-Plus-Two meeting between the United States and Australia, a bilateral agreement for increasing strategic cooperation between the two countries. Against this background, the indications given by the US officials regarding the Australian participation in the task force become significant.