A new report warns that China’s ability to strike targets in Australia is “real and growing,” citing developments in its naval and missile forces. The report links this increased reach to the rapid expansion of China’s nuclear-powered submarine fleet and the growth of its long-range missile stockpile. By adding more submarines and improving the quantity and capabilities of long-range missiles, the assessment argues China is strengthening its capacity to operate at greater distances and maintain strike options over time. The sources agree that these trends, taken together, are central to the report’s conclusion that Australia faces a shifting regional security environment. While the reporting focuses on the capability-building aspects—submarine expansion and missile stockpile growth—it does not describe specific targets, timelines, or operational plans. Overall, the articles present the finding as an assessment of evolving military reach rather than an account of any immediate action.