I don't think it had anything to do with pressure from China or acceding to their request. We have been expanding in Australia for over 20 years and the recent major investment might make it more economical to use and it can be used all year round.
I also don't think the Taiwanese want us out either as they need continuous political interactions with countries especially another Chinese majority nation to show their independence from China.
Anyway the comments are coming from China and not from anywhere else.
My sense is that Starlight will remain as it is not just military training but a political statement that we cannot be pushed round. We had previous issues over Starlight. In the early 90s, the whole civil service was advised not to talk about Taiwan.
I also don't think the Taiwanese want us out either as they need continuous political interactions with countries especially another Chinese majority nation to show their independence from China.
Anyway the comments are coming from China and not from anywhere else.
My sense is that Starlight will remain as it is not just military training but a political statement that we cannot be pushed round. We had previous issues over Starlight. In the early 90s, the whole civil service was advised not to talk about Taiwan.