PODCAST: No escaping it, China is trying to coerce us, with Mike Pezzullo

Joint-capabilities
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By: Jessa Sargento

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by former secretary of home affairs, Mike Pezzullo, to unpack the precedent established by Beijing’s naval taskforce circumnavigating Australia and how to deal with more in the future.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by former secretary of home affairs, Mike Pezzullo, to unpack the precedent established by Beijing’s naval taskforce circumnavigating Australia and how to deal with more in the future.

The pair discuss a range of issues, including:

  • The government’s response to, and the timeline behind the notice of the Chinese naval taskforce’s live-fire training exercises in the Tasman Sea.
  • The tactical and strategic ramifications and shortfalls on display in the Australian Defence Force and government’s response to the taskforce.
  • A suggested crash course program to rapidly accelerate Australia’s level of tactical and strategic preparedness within the next term of Parliament.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

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Listen to previous episodes of the Defence Connect podcast:

Episode 11: SPOTLIGHT: Australia’s loitering munitions, sovereign manufacturing and the future of drone warfare, with Innovaero’s Gregory Tunny
Episode 10: PODCAST: Contested logistics and Australia’s defence industry priorities at Land Forces 2026, with Amentum Australia’s Kim Katheklakis
Episode 9: PODCAST: Containerised solutions and human-in-the-loop systems at Land Forces 2026, with IAI’s Maxim Zemer
Episode 8: SPOTLIGHT: Lockheed Martin Australia’s priorities, leadership and life after service, with Jeremy King
Episode 7: THE PROGRESS REPORT: Leadership, mentorship and life at sea – Commander Melanie Lennard on 17 years in the Royal Australian Navy
Episode 6: PODCAST: Australia’s munitions manufacturing push at Land Forces 2026, with NIOA Group’s Robert Nioa
Episode 5: PODCAST: EOS showcases new interceptor and layered drone defence at Land Forces 2026, with Lee Kormany
Episode 4: CONTESTED GROUND: The information advantage – how AI is reshaping influence, competition and power
Episode 3: PODCAST: Next-generation equipment at Land Forces 2026, with Aquaterro’s Graeme Bulte
Episode 2: SPOTLIGHT: Defence electronics supply chains, counterfeit components and shortages