Australia and the United States agree to deepen defence cooperation amid rising Chinese influence
Australia and the United States said they will expand defence collaboration, potentially increasing US force presence and equipment storage in Australia.
In Washington, Defence Minister Richard Marles and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth agreed to intensify defence ties, signalling a rise in the American force posture throughout Australia and the wider Indo-Pacific. The US-Australia Force Posture Initiatives will permit US forces to conduct training, store equipment and rotate aircraft, while logistics support for US vessels will be enhanced. The cooperation builds on the AUKUS alliance, with US personnel already operating at the HMAS Stirling base, which will host four US-commanded Virginia-class submarines starting in 2027.
Both ministers framed the steps as essential for regional stability and a counter to China’s expanding influence, noting a combined US$580 million funding pledge for Pacific island nations. Details on any increase in stationed US troops will be discussed at a later defence ministers’ meeting in 2026. The Pacific Islands Forum summit in Palau proceeded under the shadow of China’s protest over Taiwan’s foreign minister’s attendance.
Why it matters
The deal boosts US-Australia security links, shaping the strategic balance in the Pacific as China expands its reach.
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