How India And Australia Are Navigating A Securitized Asia-Pacific

The Asia-Pacific region is entering a new phase of security as middle powers like India and Australia respond to heightened regional threat perceptions set off by renewed worries of China’s expanding military capabilities and reach. The long-range ballistic missile launched into the South Pacific last week by China acted as more than an isolated demonstration; it illustrated a broader regional trend. As China’s military capabilities expand, Asia-Pacific states are strengthening defense cooperation, investing in indigenous defense industries and diversifying security partnerships. India and Australia provide two examples of how middle powers are contributing to this trend through expanded arms exports and regional security partnerships. These developments point toward a more networked Asia-Pacific security architecture with important implications for defense markets and businesses.