Bangladesh, April 21 -- Australias recent unveiling of its new defense strategy has drawn attention and concern across the Asia-Pacific region. With an increase of approximately AU$50 billion in defense spending over the next decade, the strategys emphasis on countering perceived “coercive tactics” by China has been met with skepticism and criticism. The narrative of a growing threat from China seems to overshadow Australias long-standing relationship with its northern neighbor, leading to concerns about the strategic miscalculations Canberra might be making.

At the core of Australias defense strategy lies its concern over what it deems as Chinas “coercive tactics” in critical regions such as the Taiwan Straits an...