China missile strikes could reach 'two-thirds' of Australia trends now
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China's arsenal of land-based ballistic missiles could reach two-thirds of Australia's mainland, a new submission to the government's Defence Strategic Review has warned.
Former analysts from Defence working with US-based think tank the Rand Corporation argued in the 33-page report that Australia's key northern military facilities be moved further south to safeguard them.
The document claims the communist superpower's expansion into the South China Sea, where it has built military bases on disputed island and atolls, increased the striking range of its warheads.
It claims ADF bases in the Northern Territory, Townsville in Queensland, and the northern half of WA are within reach.
China's missiles can reach two-thirds of the Australian mainland a new report warns (Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, walks with visiting Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh)
Buildings and structures are seen on the artificial island built by China in Mischief Reef on October 25, 2022 in Spratly Islands, South China Sea (pictured)
Of specific concern is the Mischief Reef atoll in the Spratly Islands, which China has developed since 2014, that is now capable of launching DF-26 intermediate-range ballistic missiles with a range of 4,000km.
US Intelligence confirmed in October Mischief Reef was militarily operational and that China had the ability to strike the Pacific island of Guam - the western-most point of US territory and key strategic location.
The Strategic Defence Review was announced by Prime Minister
