South Korea has used a political meeting with Australia to show a sign of “comprehensive strategic partnership”

South Korean President Moon Jae-in is in Australia’s capital of Canberra, as the two nations upgrade their ties to “comprehensive strategic partnership” status.

High on the agenda was a new $1 billion deal – under which Korean defence company Hanwha will provide 30 self-propelled howitzer artillery weapons to Australia as well as 15 ammunition supply vehicles and radars to detect enemy artillery.

It’s the largest defence contract struck between Australia and an Asian nation

The new vehicles will be able to quickly fire and move to avoid enemy counterattacks.

Australia’s Defence Minister Peter Dutton touted the deal as a boost for Australian firepower and security in the Indo-Pacific.

“It is one of several projects that will modernise the Australian Army, ensuring it continues to maintain a capability advantage now, and into the future,” the minister said.

“We are committed to keeping our region safe while protecting our interests in a rapidly changing global environment.”

This week’s visit, which coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, will see Australian and Korean ties elevated to the status of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

The new deal shows a sign of increasing tensions from China, which is becoming an increasing threat to Western Nations, typically surrounding Taiwan.

Beijing claims self-ruled Taiwan as its own and has threatened to use force if necessary to unify the two sides.

The country’s claim has held since the Chinese civil war of the 1940s, when Chiang Kai-shek’s Nationalist government reestablished on the island after losing to Mao Zedong’s Communists. Most Taiwanese prefer to maintain the status quo, according to a National Chengchi University poll.

A straight-up military invasion would cost lives and activate U.S. forces for Taiwan’s defence