Australia reviews defense needs, with eye on Asia

Australia is reviewing how its deploys its defense forces in response to a military buildup in Asian countries such as China and India and the growing need to protect its natural gas resources off its northwest coast.

Defense Minister Stephen Smith told reporters Wednesday the review will be completed early next year and will complement a U.S. review that will determine how Australia's most important defense ally deploys its forces in the Asia-Pacific region.

Smith says Australia wants China and other Asian countries to be transparent about the strategic intentions behind their rapid military growth.