For 2019, the nation of China is ranked 3 (of 137) out of the countries currently considered for the annual GFP review. It holds a PwrIndx rating of 0.0673 (0.0000 being perfect).
For 2019, the nation of Australia is ranked 19 (of 137) out of the countries currently considered for the annual GFP review. It holds a PwrIndx rating of 0.3277 (0.0000 being perfect)
But to be fair - any seaborne invasion by China will be Taiwan first and most military writers say they are not strong enough yet even for that short hop.
The idea of a strong military alliance in our region is just like NATO after WWII. It gave the Soviets pause without a war. China is a bigger threat because they don't have to go to war to absorb a country. I predict the next annexation will be the quiet 'liberation, protection of their ancient peoples/border in eastern Kazakhstan. Realistically I think the Kazaks will sell it to them.
