Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
CANBERRA, June 12 (Xinhua) — The Australian government said on Thursday it remains committed to the AUKUS security agreement despite the United States launching a review of it.
The Pentagon confirmed Wednesday that it has begun a review of the AUKUS agreement to ensure the Biden-era deal is “consistent” with President Donald Trump’s agenda.
In response to the statement, Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles said on Thursday that it was “natural” for the Trump administration to review the pact.
“We are committed to AUKUS and look forward to working closely with the United States on the review,” he said.
Speaking later on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) radio, Mr Marles said he was “very confident” Australia would receive the submarines under the security pact signed in 2021.
Earlier in June, Marles met with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in Singapore, where the Pentagon chief asked Australia to increase defense spending to 3.5 percent of GDP as soon as possible.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese rejected the request and said in a speech at the National Press Club in Canberra on Tuesday that defence spending would be determined by Australia alone.
E. Albanese is expected to meet with D. Trump on the sidelines of the upcoming G7 summit in Canada. –0–