New Delhi: Australia has announced a new defense strategy that emphasizes stronger ties with India and Japan to counter China’s aggressive behavior. The strategy, unveiled on Friday, calls for increased investment in defense capabilities, including submarines, fighter jets, and cyber security.

The new policy, called the Strategic Update, highlights the importance of the Indo-Pacific region and acknowledges the challenges posed by China’s militarization of the South China Sea and its growing influence in the region.

The update also includes plans to expand Australia’s military presence in the region, with a focus on increasing engagement with other countries in the region. This includes the establishment of new defense partnerships with India, Japan, and other countries, and increasing Australia’s presence in the Pacific islands.

The update also includes plans to boost cyber security capabilities, recognizing the growing threat of cyber attacks from foreign states.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the new strategy was aimed at ensuring that Australia was able to “respond to an increasingly challenging strategic environment.”

He added that the country’s relationship with China was important, but that Australia would “always protect and promote our national interests.”

The announcement of the new defense strategy comes amid heightened tensions between Australia and China, with China imposing trade restrictions on Australian exports and accusing the country of interfering in its domestic affairs.

The Australian government has repeatedly called for a “rules-based” international order and has been critical of China’s actions in the region, including its militarization of the South China Sea and its treatment of ethnic minorities in Xinjiang.

The new defense strategy is seen as a significant shift in Australia’s defense posture, with the country moving away from its traditional reliance on the United States and looking to build stronger ties with regional partners.