Australia, US to boost defence ties as China’s Pacific influence grows
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US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth (right) poses for a photo with Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles at the Pentagon.
PHOTO: REUTERS
- Australia and the US are increasing defence cooperation, including expanded US military presence and equipment storage in Australia to boost Indo-Pacific stability.
- The AUKUS pact involves US, UK, and Australia, with US submarines stationed at HMAS Stirling from 2027, despite China’s warnings of a regional arms race.
- Australia and the US pledged US$580 million to Pacific Island nations to counter China’s growing influence through aid and infrastructure projects.
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WASHINGTON - Australia and the United States said they would boost their defence ties in a move that could expand the US military presence in Australia, while strengthening deterrence across the Pacific, where China has been expanding its influence.
After meeting US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in Washington DC, Defence Minister Richard Marles told reporters on Sept 2 that “American force posture in Australia is growing” and was on the rise across every domain.
The US–Australia Force Posture Initiatives are agreements that allow US military forces to train and store equipment in Australia, including the rotational deployment of aircraft and logistics support for US vessels.
“We think that’s really important in terms of providing deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, providing for stability and peace in the Indo-Pacific, and that’s very much in Australia’s national interest.”
Marles did not specify if the greater level of cooperation would mean more US troops being stationed in Australia, but said further details would be provided at the next meeting of Australian and US defence ministers later in 2026.
Australia-US defence cooperation also includes the AUKUS defence pact between the US, Britain and Australia.
Some US defence personnel are working at the HMAS Stirling naval base on Australia’s west coast, which will house four US-commanded Virginia-class submarines from 2027.
China calls the AUKUS pact dangerous and has warned it could spur a regional arms race.
Hegseth said in a statement that there was “strong alignment” between the national defence strategies of both countries, and stressed the importance of allies investing in their own sovereign security to contribute to collective defence.
“We share a common (understanding) of the complex threat picture in the world today and the need for allies to, both plan together but also ensure our capabilities match and are complementary,” he said.
The meeting comes as the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) headed into its final day in Palau on Sept 3, with the summit overshadowed by the absence of several leaders and China’s protest over the presence of Taiwan’s foreign minister.
Australia and the United States have announced a combined US$580 million (S$736.77 million) in funding for Pacific Island nations as China continues to expand its influence in the region through grants, infrastructure projects and aid. REUTERS
