Former Official: Australia Would Be Drawn Into US-China Conflict Due to Geography

Former Home Affairs Secretary Mike Pezzullo said Defence Minister Richard Miles indicated Australia would inevitably be drawn into any US-China conflict because of the country's strategic geography, not its military capabilities.

Speaking on Sky News AM Agenda, Pezzullo revealed Miles made the comments at a recent conference when pressed about whether China poses a direct threat to Australia.

"China is not a direct threat to Australia in the sense of an invasion or a direct attack on Australia that would constitute an invasion," Pezzullo said, closely paraphrasing Miles' remarks. "What is relevant, particularly in the next few years when the government's been asked to consider increased funding, for instance, is not so much the size of our force or what our force can do, but our geography."

Pezzullo said there was only one interpretation of the minister's comments as US forces continue building up infrastructure across Australia, including fuel installations, extended runways, logistics hubs and submarine facilities planned for Perth in 2027.

"The only interpretation that one can put on his remarks is that as an operating location or as an operating base, our geography is more important to the United States in a potential conflict with China than anything else," Pezzullo said.

The revelation comes as tensions between the US and China continue over Taiwan and territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

---

Truth matters. Quality journalism costs.

Your subscription to Mencari directly funds the investigative reporting our democracy needs. For less than a coffee per week, you enable our journalists to uncover stories that powerful interests would rather keep hidden. There is no corporate influence involved. No compromises. Just honest journalism when we need it most.

Not ready to be paid subscribe, but appreciate the newsletter ? Grab us a beer or snag the exclusive ad spot at the top of next week's newsletter.

---