Stay informed with the latest updates from Aukus. Sign up now to receive the free Aukus updates in your inbox every morning through our myFT Daily Digest email.
We’ll keep you updated with the most recent Aukus news, delivered straight to your inbox every morning.
The commitment to the Aukus security pact between Washington and Canberra remains strong, despite opposition from Republicans in Congress. The plan to provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines has faced criticism, but US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized bipartisan support and commitment to the agreement during ministerial talks in Brisbane. Aukus, which includes the UK, aims to counter China’s influence in the Indo Pacific region. Although concerns have been raised, the opposition is seen as part of normal political bargaining. Richard Marles, Australia’s defense minister, expressed confidence in the progress of the submarine plan.
Both countries pledged to collaborate closely in the Indo-Pacific region, announcing plans to increase US troop deployments and maritime patrols, as well as cooperating on space defense. Additionally, Australia will begin manufacturing and supplying guided missiles to the US by 2025, which is a significant boost to the country’s defense industry. The talks were overshadowed by a helicopter crash during joint military exercises off the coast of Queensland.
These announcements are part of the US strategy to strengthen security alliances in the Indo-Pacific and deter China from targeting Taiwan. The strategy includes agreements with Japan to supply Tomahawk cruise missiles and access four new bases in the Philippines.
A notable development occurred as US air force nuclear-capable B-52 bombers conducted joint exercises in Indonesia for the first time. This showcases the US’s efforts to enhance cooperation with allies in Asia and strengthen their forces in the region. Blinken, accompanied by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, expressed the US’s engagement with China while opposing their attempts to disrupt the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. He also vowed to counter any economic coercion or threats from China in the region.
During the previous meeting between the US and Australian defense and foreign ministers in Washington, Austin stated the Pentagon’s commitment to deploying more fighter jets and bombers to oppose China’s dangerous and coercive behavior in the Indo-Pacific region. Ashley Townshend, an Indo-Pacific expert, highlighted the increasing importance of military cooperation in the US-Australia alliance, stating that it positions Australia to play a pivotal role in supporting high-end US war-fighting and collective deterrence strategies in the region.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
