Australia weighs soft power to counter China

Australia’s growing concerns over China’s expanding influence in the Indo-Pacific are shaping both military and diplomatic strategies. While defense capability remains central to national security, policymakers and aid leaders argue that strengthening “soft power” could be equally vital in addressing Beijing’s regional advances.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles has warned that China’s rapid military build-up is driving “security anxiety” in Canberra and among Australia’s allies. He has previously linked this expansion to heightened concerns over regional stability, particularly as tensions around Taiwan continue to draw international attention.

China’s activities in the region, however, extend beyond military drills and direct confrontation. Beijing has pursued strategic partnerships through loans and agreements with smaller Pacific nations, some of which have raised concerns over debt dependency and covert policing arrangements. These measures have been viewed as part of a broader effort to expand political influence without resorting to open conflict.

Matthew Maury, Chief Executive of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), emphasized the importance of Australia’s humanitarian and development programs in countering these trends. Speaking to NewsWire, he said that aid initiatives form a critical part of Australia’s foreign policy.

“Australia has made it very clear that they’re not going to step back from the relationships in the Pacific,” Mr Maury said. “They see the aid program as a really important piece of soft power and contributing to the peace and stability within our region as well as the strong relationships.”

Analysts note that Australia faces the challenge of balancing its economic ties with China—its largest trading partner—against rising security risks. This dual approach requires maintaining constructive diplomatic engagement while simultaneously preparing for scenarios in which Beijing could take more assertive actions in the region.

Think tanks and defence experts argue that military readiness alone cannot secure Australia’s interests. Instead, they highlight the role of long-term development partnerships, education exchanges, and humanitarian support in building trust with neighbouring countries. Such measures are designed to ensure that Pacific nations view Australia as a stable and reliable partner rather than turn to Beijing for financial or security support.

The government has signalled its commitment to continuing aid and development programs despite fiscal pressures. This approach, according to Maury and other experts, enhances Australia’s credibility and fosters regional resilience in the face of external pressures.

As strategic competition intensifies, Australia’s mix of defence capability and soft power diplomacy is likely to remain central to policy discussions in Canberra. The ability to project stability through aid and humanitarian work may ultimately prove just as important as modernising the nation’s armed forces.