Overview

• The Pentagon’s AUKUS review led by Elbridge Colby has exceeded its 30-day target without resolving how Australia would use nuclear-powered submarines in future US conflicts.
• Senior US officials are seeking detailed assurances on Australia’s potential wartime roles and urging Canberra to boost defence spending well above its planned 2.3% of GDP.
• Conroy reaffirmed that any deployment of Australian forces will be decided by the government of the day, rejecting pre-commitments to a Taiwan contingency.
• Australia expects Chinese vessels to monitor the start of Exercise Talisman Sabre and will adjust security procedures to mitigate electronic and communications intelligence gathering.
• Canberra has publicly demanded that Beijing give longer notice and greater openness around its live-fire drills and broader military activities in the South Pacific.