Australia has indicated it will not pre-commit its troops in the case of a possible war between China and the United States over Taiwan. The remarks are made as Washington ramps up pressure on its Indo-Pacific allies to clarify roles in the case of a war. According to a report by the Financial Times, the Pentagon requested clear commitments from Australia and Japan.
But Australia's Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy has countered, emphasizing that any move to send troops will be done only if and when the circumstances dictate. The remark came in the wake of growing regional anxiety over China's military expansion, particularly in the Pacific Islands.
Defence Minister Pat Conroy stated, "The government of the day will decide on committing Australian troops to a conflict." He dismissed any idea of committing troops beforehand. Conroy reinforced that it would be decided in real time what Australia's role would be, not based on pre-commitments. He again reiterated that Australia wouldn't engage in hypothetical discussions and maintain its sovereignty.
Pat Conroy also expressed Australia's concern regarding China's increasing military expansion in the region. He mentioned China's attempts to create a military base in the Pacific Islands. "We are working very hard to be the primary security partner of choice for the region," he claimed.
He described such a Chinese presence as "not optimal" for Australian security. Canberra considers its location in the Pacific as significant in upholding regional balance.
As per the Financial Times, the Pentagon has been pushing Australia and Japan to declare their intentions in the event of a China-Taiwan war. Elbridge Colby, the under-secretary of defence for policy, has spearheaded the campaign. He has urged allies to boost defence expenditure and collective security.
On an X post, he stated the US is in the process of advancing Trump's "America First" agenda, centred on "peace through strength."
Japan has not yet issued a public response. However, reports suggest Tokyo may follow Australia’s lead and avoid making any early commitments.
While China still insists on Taiwan as territory, the US has a policy of strategic ambiguity. During Joe Biden's administration, Washington gave a brief signal of a stronger commitment to protecting Taiwan. But during Donald Trump's tenure, the US is back to guardedly ambiguous words. The ambiguity is still governing the way allies such as Australia think about future conflict preparation.
The message from Australia is clear, it will remain staunch on sovereignty and not commit troops in advance, even under increasing US pressure.
