When the Kangaroo Encounters the Flying Dragon: The Growth of Balancing Elements in Australia's China Policy

Since the late 2000s, China's growing naval power and maritime assertiveness has resulted in a security environment unfavorable to Australia. Facing this situation, how has Australia responded? This study sheds light on Australia's recent balancing strategies against China. It analyzes Australia's recent China policy and argues that there have been growing balancing elements in that policy, including Australia's active military build‐up, enhancement of its alliance with the United States, and diversification of its strategic and defense partnerships with other regional powers.