Australia’s defense policy is based around predictions of a more challenging and uncertain security outlook in Asia over the next two decades. It has responded with plans to purchase 100 F-35 stealth fighter aircraft and double its submarine fleet with a new generation of more potent, long-range boats.

Australia has played down the risk such facilities could antagonize an increasingly muscular China, which in 2011 had two-way trade with Canberra worth A$113 billion, making it Australia’s biggest trade partner.

(Reporting by Phil Stewart and Rob Taylor; Editing by Robert Birsel)