Fed: Key facts of Defence strategic update 2005

AAP General News (Australia)
12-15-2005
Fed: Key facts of Defence strategic update 2005

Key facts of strategic review defence Update 2005:

* increased unpredictability of uncertain world means Australian interests can be challenged
with little warning.

* Australian Defence Force requires high readiness, flexibility and sustainability.

* regional defence capabilities to continue to grow.

* status of Taiwan continues to be defining issue and course of friction between China and US.

* Middle East stability fundamental to global security and an insurgent victory in
Iraq could be huge setback.

* stability of south-west Pacific nations, particularly PNG, of special concern.

* current security threats require whole of government response, not just defence.

* alliance with US remains vital and confers major benefits on Australia.

* Australia attaches high priority to working with Indonesia and other regional nations
on security.

* Australian Defence Force needs to be able to operate in complex environments and
maintain capability edge over increasingly lethal adversaries.

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KEYWORD: DEFENCE FACTBOX

2005 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.