China’s Liaoning Carrier Conducts 170 Fighter Sorties in Western Pacific, Expanding PLAN Blue-Water Power Projection Beyond First Island Chain - Defence Security Asia

China's demonstrated ability to sustain carrier strike operations in the western Pacific—a core Indo-Pacific theatre—directly erodes the military balance Australia depends on for deterrence and alliance credibility. This capability expansion narrows Australia's strategic margin and increases the likelihood of a high-intensity Taiwan scenario, which would directly threaten Australian interests and AUKUS commitments.