Threats to Australia's security as China's military grows and 'battle-hardened' terrorists return home 'primed to conduct attacks'

  • The first foreign policy White Paper in 14 years warns of main threats to Australia
  • The paper highlighted China's growing military and terrorists returning home
  • China's growing power and competition with the US is the greatest challenge
  • An estimated 200 Australian terrorists are returning home from conflict zones

Australia faces threats from China's growing military and 'battle-hardened' terrorists returning home from conflict zones.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop is set to release the first foreign policy White Paper in 14 years, highlighting the major threats to the nations security.

Other serious concerns include cyber warfare, the environment and weapons of mass destruction.

Australia faces threats from China's growing military and 'battle-hardened' terrorists returning home from conflict zones (pictured is Australian ISIS fighter Neil Prakash)

Australia faces threats from China's growing military and 'battle-hardened' terrorists returning home from conflict zones (pictured is Australian ISIS fighter Neil Prakash)

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop is set to release the first foreign policy White Paper in 14 years, highlighting the major threats to the nations security (pictured are Chinese soldiers)

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop is set to release the first foreign policy White Paper in 14 years, highlighting the major threats to the nations security (pictured are Chinese soldiers)

The document warns of the major challenges expected to be faced in coming years, but stops short of making policy recommendations, The Daily Telegraph reported. 

While the paper does not predict China will overtake the US militarily, it warns of challenges arising from competition between the two powers.

'In parts of the Indo-Pacific, including in Southeast Asia, China's power and influence are growing to match, and in some cases exceed, that of the United States,' the paper states.

'Like all great powers, China will seek to influence the region to suit its own interests. As it does, a number of factors suggest we will face an increasingly complex and contested Indo-­Pacific.'

Over 200 Australian terrorists are fighting in conflict zones around the world, with many expected to return home after ISIS defeats in the Middle East and Southeast Asia (pictured is Australian ISIS fighter Tareq Kamleh)

Over 200 Australian terrorists are fighting in conflict zones around the world, with many expected to return home after ISIS defeats in the Middle East and Southeast Asia (pictured is Australian ISIS fighter Tareq Kamleh)

While the paper does not predict China will overtake the US militarily, it warns of challenges arising from competition between the two powers (pictured are Chinese soldiers)

While the paper does not predict China will overtake the US militarily, it warns of challenges arising from competition between the two powers (pictured are Chinese soldiers)

Over 200 Australian terrorists are fighting in conflict zones around the world, with many expected to return home after ISIS defeats in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

The paper warns of a worsening terror threat as new groups fill the gap left by ISIS and recommends planning for a mass casualty attack in the region.

'Fighters from our region may seek to return to their countries as ISIL loses territory in Iraq and Syria, and some will be battle-hardened and primed to conduct attacks,' the paper states.

'In parts of the Indo-Pacific, including in Southeast Asia, China's power and influence are growing to match, and in some cases exceed, that of the United States,' the paper states (pictured are Chinese tanks on parade)

'In parts of the Indo-Pacific, including in Southeast Asia, China's power and influence are growing to match, and in some cases exceed, that of the United States,' the paper states (pictured are Chinese tanks on parade)

Terrorists will continue to seek access to weapons of mass destruction (pictured are North Korean ballistic missiles) and the world will face 'new proliferation challenges' over the next decade, the paper warns

Terrorists will continue to seek access to weapons of mass destruction (pictured are North Korean ballistic missiles) and the world will face 'new proliferation challenges' over the next decade, the paper warns

It also warns technological advancements are giving terrorists greater access to advanced weapons, including bioweapons, than ever before.

Additional threats include cyber warfare, with the paper mentioning Russian cyber activities during last year's US election.

The White Paper mentions climate change, stresses on global food and water supplies, and damage to ocean fisheries.

Terrorists will continue to seek access to weapons of mass destruction and the world will face 'new proliferation challenges' over the next decade, the paper warns. 

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop (pictured) is due to release the new foreign policy White Paper today

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop (pictured) is due to release the new foreign policy White Paper today