Chinese missiles likely to cripple Asia-based US forces in event of conflict: report

Report by Australian researchers urged US allies such as Australia and Japan to revamp investment to prevent US military might from being eroded in the region

The report also detailed the prowess of the PLA Rocket Force, which is capable of making precision strikes as far from the mainland as Singapore

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A nuclear-powered Type 094A Jin-class ballistic missile submarine of the Chinese PLA Navy. Photo: Reuters

Published: 10:05pm, 18 Aug 2019Updated: 10:30am, 19 Aug 2019

If an armed conflict broke out between Beijing and Washington, China’s hi-tech ballistic missiles would likely cripple the United States’ military bases and naval fleet across the Western Pacific region within hours, a new report by Australia-based researchers has said.

With China making rapid technological advancements and sharpening its hard power, the report urged the US and regional allies such as Australia and Japan to overhaul military investment and deployment plans, or face the prospect of American “military primacy” being undermined by the Asian power.

The 104-page report by the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney assessed US military strategy, spending and alliances in the region.

Lead author Ashley Townshend told This Week in Asia that the region’s changing balance of power should be of concern to all Asian states – including those seeking to maintain good relations with both superpowers – as it was in their interests to deter Beijing from wielding an “aggressive foreign policy”.

Infographic by United States Studies Centre, University of Sydney

“As its power rises, it may well be emboldened to make a play for parts of the first island chain, including Taiwan, which would seriously constrain the security horizons for all concerned,” said Townshend, referring to the arc of islands that stretches from the Japanese archipelago to the Southeast Asian island of Borneo.