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53m ago

AUSMIN Talks Reaffirm AUKUS as US Hails Australia’s Next $1 Billion for Submarine Production

Washington is pressing Canberra to lift defence outlays after a confidential Pentagon review endorsed AUKUS timelines.

Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong, left, listens as Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks at the State Department, Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks as Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles, Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth listen at the State Department, Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during an event at the State Department, Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth listens during a news conference with Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles and Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong at the State Department, Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Overview

  • Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Defence Minister Richard Marles met Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in Washington for the annual AUSMIN consultations.
  • Hegseth said AUKUS is moving "full steam ahead" and welcomed Australia’s upcoming US$1 billion payment to expand U.S. submarine shipbuilding capacity.
  • The Pentagon’s five‑month review of AUKUS endorsed the pact’s scope and schedule, though findings have not been made public.
  • U.S. officials are pushing Australia to increase defence spending, including an earlier request to reach 3.5% of GDP, while Canberra maintains it will set its own budget decisions.
  • Talks highlighted Indo‑Pacific deterrence, critical minerals cooperation and defence industrial ties, with Marles also announcing a new annual Australia–Japan defence meeting during a stop in Tokyo.