A Lowy Institute assessment concludes that Chinese missiles including the DF-27 and DF-26 could reach parts of Australia, with the direct strike threat described as real and growing. The report cites US estimates of DF-27 range at 5,000-8,000 km and notes PLA modernization of hypersonic systems. Perspectives differ on whether the findings primarily indicate an arms race, deliberate power projection, state coercion risks, or potential threat inflation.