On the global stage, Australia's sticking its neck out. "It is heartening to see that Australia as a leading middle power is once more playing an important role in upholding the global rules-based order in the region," says Professor Sascha-Dominik (Dov) Bachmann, with the Morrison government displaying "awareness of Beijing as a source and originator of current threats to regional (and global) rule of law, security, and stability". Prime Minister Scott Morrison may feel threatened by Chinaâs growing cyber and influence operations. Picture: Peter Lorimer/NCA NewsWire But Canberra's also feeling threatened. "China's influence eroding the sovereignty of (Australia and New Zealand) has been known for years, and the Morrison government has been at the forefront of countering Beijing's such grey zone or hybrid activities," he writes.