Australia’s defence minister says “outbursts” and “propaganda” from China about Australia’s development of nuclear-powered submarines will not deter the country from deepening defence ties with the United States

Australia’s defence and foreign affairs ministers are in Washington as part of the AUSMIN talks with their United States counterparts.

Peter Dutton says he expects to see an increase in the number of US troops rotating through Darwin as well as more bilateral military exercises.

He says the deal with the US and UK is all about keeping Australia safe

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne today in Washington, D.C. on Thursday.

The Secretary and Foreign Minister focused on the enduring nature of the U.S.-Australia Alliance and discussed cooperation on increasing peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

“They noted with pride the celebration of the 70-year anniversary of the signing of the ANZUS Treaty and highlighted actions to secure another 70 years of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region,” Ned Price, a spokesperson from the U.S embassy in Australia said.

“The Secretary and Foreign Minister reiterated their support for the rules-based international order, ASEAN centrality, and the rights and livelihoods of Southeast Asian claimants in the South China Sea.”

Price confirmed they discussed U.S. and Australian bilateral and multilateral efforts to assist the Indo-Pacific region in overcoming COVID-19.