Australia's Defense Minister Richard Marles has reaffirmed the nation's commitment to the AUKUS security pact, even as the U.S. Department of Defense initiates a review of the agreement. The trilateral alliance between Australia, the U.S., and the UK, established in 2021 to counterbalance China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific, faces renewed scrutiny under the Trump administration's policy priorities.
Marles described the review as a "natural" step for the U.S. government, emphasizing Australia's readiness to collaborate. "We are committed to AUKUS and look forward to working closely with the U.S. on this process," he stated, expressing confidence that Australia will acquire nuclear-powered submarines as outlined in the pact.
The development follows a June meeting in Singapore between Marles and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who urged Australia to accelerate defense spending to 3.5% of GDP. Prime Minister Albanese rejected the timeline, asserting that "defense spending decisions remain Australia's sovereign right" during a National Press Club address.
With Albanese scheduled to meet Trump at the G7 summit in Canada, analysts suggest the talks could shape AUKUS' operational future. The pact remains central to Western security strategies amid rising tensions in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait.
