For a long time middle powers like Australia and European countries had the best of both worlds: They can rely on American primacy to provide for their security at a very low cost while engaging with China for economic gains. But as American power falters and the PRC gains in clout, we are starting to see a rise in friction. Australian defensive realist professor Hugh White identified as far back as 2010 that the “magic pudding” strategy of having their cake and eating it too will not work for middle powers once China starts asserting its strategic interests…and the United States start billing for military services rendered!