China’s growing power is shifting deterrence in the Indo-Pacific. The United States, Australia, Japan, and partners should rethink their strategies. Japan and the Philippines are central for access and support to Taiwan if a crisis breaks out.

The US Air Force’s Mosaic Tiger 26-1 exercise tested Agile Combat Employment, training aviators to sustain dispersed operations without resupply or communications, using multi-capable roles and resourcefulness to maintain aircraft and generate sorties.

China’s rapid military-industrial expansion is reshaping deterrence across the Indo-Pacific. Effective stability now depends on frontline allies—especially Japan and the Philippines—working with partners to counter China’s scale.

The WW2 Nuremberg precedent rejected “just following orders” as a defence for war crimes—Lt. Calley’s My Lai (Vietnam) conviction reaffirmed individual accountability and shaped modern rules requiring service members to disobey clearly illegal commands.

Wargaming is a tool to exercise or simulate a threatening situation. New applications are being developed to counter modern threats such as AI-driven cybercrime, biodiversity loss and demographic shifts. Developments in AI are transforming gaming techniques.

The Dialogue shows growing regional Philippines backing in the South China Sea—yet it also reveals the limits of relying on transparency alone to counter persistent Chinese pressure. Philippine Coast Guard campaign increases global awareness.

Anduril’s YFQ-44A collaborative combat aircraft (CCCA)demonstrates rapid development of semi autonomous, mass producible CCA. Flight tests validate manned–unmanned teaming concepts and signal a shift toward autonomy enabled affordable mass in air combat.

Japan’s new leader wants people to balance work, leisure, and rest. Ironically, engaging in overtime is generally considered an important source of income and career enhancing. Overwork and karoshi (death from overwork) are sensitive issues across cultures.

China is preparing to launch a replacement spacecraft. The earlier return capsule damage highlights how unexpected hazards can quickly strain crew planning and supplies. A rescue launch is planned, but orbital timing means they must wait.

Australia’s growing role in US regional planning offers real advantages—yet it also demands clear boundaries to protect national decision-making, ensure genuine autonomy and strengthen long-term resilience across the north.