Australia has said it will make a major shift in its defense policy which its prime minister calls "the most significant since the Second World War." The move is seen as an attempt to counter China's growing maritime assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific.

"We must build and strengthen our security by seeking to shape the future rather than waiting for the future to shape us," said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who has been examining the defense strategy since he took office last year.

His government released its Defense Strategic Review on Monday, which prioritizes Australia's ability to precisely strike targets at longer ranges.

The report said the government should accelerate its acquisition of US-made HIMARS rocket systems which have proven effective in the Ukraine conflict. The government said acquiring precision strike missiles will expand the army's maximum weapon range more than tenfold, from 40 kilometers to over 500 kilometers.

Australia also plans to get a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS security pact with the US and Britain. The strategic review said this will transform the navy's capability.

The report cited the potential for conflict in the Indo-Pacific due to intense competition between the US and China. It stressed Australia's need to improve its ability to operate from the country's northern bases.

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson had harsh words for the strategy's motives.

Mao Ning said, "We hope some countries will stop using China as an excuse to boost their militaries, and do not hype baseless Chinese threat theories."

Mao said China has always pursued a defensive national defense policy, and it does not pose a threat to any country.