China-Russia “Joint Sea-2026” Near Taiwan Escalates Pacific Naval Power Struggle, Challenges U.S. Maritime Dominance in Indo-Pacific - Defence Security Asia

China-Russia coordinated naval exercises near Taiwan represent a direct challenge to the Indo-Pacific balance on which Australia's defence posture and alliance credibility depend. The exercise signals deepening strategic alignment between Beijing and Moscow in waters critical to Australian commerce and AUKUS commitment, raising Taiwan contingency risk and testing US resolve—a core determinant of Australian preparedness under alliance pillar assumptions.