Overview
- During Anthony Albanese’s visit to Washington, President Trump publicly endorsed AUKUS and said the delivery of U.S. attack submarines to Australia could be accelerated.
- Coverage describes a reported $368 billion plan that includes three American-made Virginia-class submarines for Australia in the early 2030s.
- China’s Foreign Ministry warned against “bloc confrontation” and actions that raise nuclear proliferation and arms-race risks following the renewed AUKUS push.
- Beijing reiterated its position that Taiwan is part of China and said it seeks peaceful reunification but will not permit separation.
- Albanese declined to detail proposed AUKUS “tweaks,” said timelines are on track and could be brought forward, and played down concerns about a Pentagon review.