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An independent panel published their findings in a report entitled Red Alert.

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Red Alert

Five national security experts assembled by The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age conclude the overwhelming source of danger to Australia is from China — and we’re not prepared for it.

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Chinese soldiers mark the 70th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China in Beijing in 2019.

Australia faces the threat of war with China within three years – and we’re not ready

Are we prepared for full-scale conflict? Our panel of national security experts says no.

  • Peter Hartcher and Matthew Knott
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A Taiwan Armed Forces M60A3 main battle tank fires during a military combat live-fire exercise in Hsinchu, Taiwan, on Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021. A top American defense official said on Dec. 9 that strengthening Taiwan’s ability to defend itself is an “urgent task” for the U.S. as China engages in destabilizing and “intentionally provocative” actions toward the self-governing island. Photographer: I-Hwa Cheng/Bloomberg

‘Australia’s holiday from history is over’

Five of the nation’s top security minds sound the alarm about Australia’s readiness for war.

  • Peter Hartcher and Matthew Knott
Peter Hartcher and Matthew Knott discuss the Red Alert project.
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Watch: Red Alert roundtable

Peter Hartcher and Matthew Knott host five independent experts for a review of Australia’s national security.

Other series

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This year’s laugh fest has kicked off, with more than 2000 performers stepping up to the mic. Here, our writers take a closer look

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Sam Mitchell flies the flag after Matthew Lloyd’s hit on Brad Sewell.

Hate of origin: Inside football’s most intense rivalry

Essendon and Hawthorn have hated each other for more than 40 years, from some old-fashioned thuggery and a fake drug scandal in the mid-80s to last year’s failed bid by the Hawks to poach the Bombers’ captain.

  • 5 stories