As China rises, Australia is increasingly enmeshed in the US war machine. Is the alliance still worth the risk?
Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has urged the nation to prioritize national self-reliance while maintaining its security alliance with the United States. Experts warn that Australia's deepening military integration with the US, including access to over 100 bases, increases the risk of being drawn into a potential conflict with China. Despite these concerns, the Australian government maintains that the US remains its indispensable strategic partner for regional stability.
- ▪Kevin Rudd stated that the US alliance is a force multiplier but emphasized the need for national self-reliance to handle future uncertainties.
- ▪The Guardian reported that the US military and its defense industry have access to more than 100 military bases across Australia.
- ▪Rudd assessed the probability of a US-China war over Taiwan by 2028 as one in three but declined to specify Australia's potential response.
- ▪Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles affirmed that the US remains Australia's closest ally and principal strategic partner under the Anzus Treaty.
- ▪US nuclear-capable bombers currently operate from Australian airfields, and nuclear-powered submarines are scheduled to port through HMAS Stirling starting next year.
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| Original publisher | The Guardian — World |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/sep/12/rise-of-china-is-australia-us-alliance-still-worth-the-risk-kevin-rudd |
| Publication time | Sat, 12 Sep 2026 00:00:18 GMT |
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Kevin Rudd said Australia must ‘re-embrace national self-reliance to anticipate the full range of future uncertainties’ in an address at the National Press Club on Thursday. Photograph: Lukas Coch/EPAView image in fullscreenKevin Rudd said Australia must ‘re-embrace national self-reliance to anticipate the full range of future uncertainties’ in an address at the National Press Club on Thursday. Photograph: Lukas Coch/EPAAustralian militaryAnalysisAs China rises, Australia is increasingly enmeshed in the US war machine.
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