The deal is set to include nuclear-powered submarines and defence security in the Indo-Pacific region
The leaders are ironing out details to see Australia supplied with nuclear-powered submarines, as part of the AUKUS alliance.
Speaking to reporters, U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan says the AUKUS deal will see Australia buy as many as five nuclear-powered subs.
Broadly, the 2021 pact aims to counter threats in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly those posed by China.
But while British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says Beijing’s “behaviour over the past few years has been concerning” – this partnership is far bigger than any one country.
Sunak has also pledged to increase defence spending by nearly £5 billion over the next two years to counter emerging threats from hostile states.
£3 billion of this extra spending will be earmarked to support the pact.
But the opposition Labour party says this is not enough and the Conservatives are “failing to secure Britain’s national defence for the future.”
