Overview

• Richard Marles’ Washington visit produced photos with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with only a brief face-to-face with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed by imagery.
• A US defense official first said there was no meeting and described the photo as a “happenstance encounter,” before the Pentagon’s chief spokesman said the contact had been coordinated in advance.
• A scheduled Washington press conference was cancelled, and Marles returned to Australia without taking media questions.
• Australian reactions included Greens and Coalition criticism that the episode signalled disrespect, while Treasurer Jim Chalmers downplayed concerns and highlighted the seniority of other meetings.
• The dispute plays out during a Pentagon review of AUKUS, with continuing doubts about Virginia-class submarine delivery timing, overall costs, and US pressure for Australia to lift defence spending toward 3.5% of GDP.