Australia pressured to be ready for war
Ely Ratner previously served as the Assistant Secretary of Defence for Indo-Pacific Region Security Affairs.
According to the Financial Review, he believes the pressure on Australia to take a stance should be viewed as a call for preparedness in the event of a worst-case scenario.
Mr Ratner says the focus should be on whether leaders can act if they want to.
He warns the Pentagon's review of AUKUS will likely suggest Australia boost its defence spending.
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