WASHINGTON (AP) — In a significant meeting Monday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth joined their Australian counterparts, Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Defense Minister Richard Marles, in Washington. Discussions centered on enhancing Indo-Pacific security and addressing China's increasing assertiveness, particularly regarding the South China Sea and tensions around Taiwan.
Both parties recognized the geopolitical instability exacerbated by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and regional conflicts. The meeting highlighted the commitment of both nations to deepen defense and economic partnerships, focusing on critical minerals, which are essential for modern technology and military equipment.
“This is a very strong partnership, it’s a strong alliance, and we want to continue to build on it. We believe there’s a lot of momentum to this alliance,” Rubio stated, noting ongoing cooperation on defense production and troop deployments.
While no direct mentions of China were made in their brief statements to reporters, the overarching concern about Beijing's influence persisted as a central theme of the US-Australia relationship.
The meeting also underscored the importance of the AUKUS pact, where the US, UK, and Australia committed to developing an Australian submarine fleet powered by US nuclear technology. This initiative reflects a strategic response to perceived threats across the Indo-Pacific.
“We are living in a much more contested world, where it matters to double down with friends and allies. America is front and center for Australia in that respect,” Marles concluded, emphasizing the need for a united front in facing global challenges.
