US and Australia conduct ministerial-level talks focused on China’s actions and AUKUS projects

Asia-Pacific, News, US August 7, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

The defense chiefs and top diplomats of the United States and Australia met in a 2+2 format for their annual Australia-U.S. Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) talks on August 6, 2024. The discussions focused on China’s “coercive behavior,” the AUKUS nuclear submarine initiative, and increasing tensions in the Middle East.

“We’re working together today to tackle shared security challenges, from coercive behavior by the PRC (People’s Republic of China), to Russia’s war of choice against Ukraine, to the turmoil in the Middle East,” stated U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said ahead of the meeting. “And I know that (this) year’s AUSMIN will deliver results for both of our peoples.”

The ministerial-level discussions occur amidst strained U.S.-China relations, covering issues such as U.S. support for Taiwan and Chinese military maneuvers in the South China Sea. The disputed Second Thomas Shoal, over which China asserts control, is also a point of contention, especially given U.S. ally the Philippines’ maritime claims in the region.

The talks also follow a recent rocket strike in Iraq, which injured seven U.S. personnel, heightening concerns about potential new attacks by Iran and its allies after the killing of senior Hamas and Hezbollah figures last week.

It was great to welcome my friend Deputy Prime Minister Marles to the Pentagon today. We’re cooperating with Australia more closely than ever and delivering a more secure Indo-Pacific together. pic.twitter.com/JTyVXLCJsQ
— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) August 5, 2024

Defense collaboration

Ahead of the AUSMIN talks, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Defense Minister Richard Marles met with their U.S. counterparts in Washington. Marles emphasized the growing role of the U.S. Marine rotational force in northern Australia and broader defense industry cooperation.

“We’re seeing America’s force posture in Australia grow significantly, AUKUS is part of that, but it’s not the only part of that,” Marles mentioned in discussions with Austin.

Under the AUKUS agreement, the United States will sell three nuclear-powered submarines to Australia within the next decade. Highlighting the importance of this deal, Australia’s Wong noted the bipartisan support for the program in the U.S. political landscape, an essential factor with the U.S. elections on the horizon.

U.S. Defense Secretary Austin highlighted, “We share with Australia a vision for a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. Together, our unbreakable alliance is helping to make that vision a reality. We’re delivering on major force posture initiatives, deepening our defense industrial cooperation, and expanding efforts with our regional allies and partners.”

US-Australia ministers AUSMIN meeting — *^{U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken meeting with Australian counterparts in Annapolis on August 06, 2024. (Image Credit: X/@SecDef)}*

Climate cooperation

In a significant environmental collaboration, Australia will invest $130 million to enhance ground station facilities in its remote central desert. These upgrades aim to process data from NASA’s Landsat Next satellite, an earth observation program designed to provide early warnings on fires and ice melting. The program is set to launch in 2030.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted that the satellite data would also support resource exploration in Australia. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to develop a supply chain for critical minerals, reducing reliance on China’s market dominance in rare earths and other essential minerals used in electric vehicles and defense technologies.

As the AUSMIN talks progress, both nations aim to solidify their partnership and address global security challenges collaboratively. The outcome of these discussions is anticipated to significantly influence the geopolitical landscape, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.