In an attempt to combat China’s “bullying behavior,” U.S. Defense Secretary, Lloyd Austin, expressed his support for countries facing Chinese coercion during bilateral talks in Australia. Austin, along with U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, arrived in Brisbane to discuss a deal that would provide Australia with a fleet of submarines powered by U.S. nuclear technology.
Austin emphasized the shared concerns of both countries regarding China’s disregard for international laws and peaceful resolution of disputes. He referred to China’s coercive actions in the East China Sea, the South China Sea, and the Southwest Pacific. Austin assured reporters that the United States would continue to stand by its allies and partners in defending themselves against China’s bullying behavior.
Australia has experienced various trade barriers imposed by China, affecting exports such as coal, wine, barley, beef, seafood, and wood. These barriers are widely seen as punitive measures in response to Australian government policies, resulting in significant losses for Australian exporters.
Although Australia’s relationship with Beijing has improved since the change in Australian government, the sharing of U.S. nuclear secrets takes the bilateral relationship to a new level. Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, is planning state visits to both the United States and China to further strengthen diplomatic ties.
Under the AUKUS partnership (Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States), Australia will purchase three Virginia-class submarines from the U.S. and collaborate with Britain to build five AUKUS-class submarines. However, concerns have been raised by Australian media regarding the potential weakening of the U.S. fleet without a plan to increase U.S. submarine production.
Albanese expressed confidence in the United States’ commitment to delivering the three submarines, citing discussions with Republican and Democratic lawmakers during a NATO summit in Lithuania. Australian Defense Minister, Richard Marles, also confirmed that the AUKUS program is progressing well.
Marles acknowledged the complexity of the legislative process in the U.S. but highlighted the agreement reached with the Biden administration regarding Australia’s acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines. He assured that Australia understands the pressure on the American industrial base and is prepared to contribute to submarine production. The AUKUS deal is expected to cost Australia up to 368 billion Australian dollars over three decades.
Albanese warmly welcomed Austin and Blinken, stating that the relationship between Australia and the United States has never been stronger. The meeting included discussions with Marles, Foreign Minister Penny Wong, U.S. Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy, and Australian Ambassador to the United States Kevin Rudd.
Overall, the talks between the U.S. and Australia focus on countering Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific region and strengthening the alliance between the two countries.
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