US and Australia agree to strengthen US military presence
The United States and Australia have agreed to strengthen the US military presence in Australia and accelerate defense cooperation. Channel NewsAsia reports, citing statements by both countries following a meeting between US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles in Washington on September 2.
Cooperation at Australian bases
According to the Pentagon, the sides agreed to accelerate initiatives for force deployments at bases in Australia, strengthen cooperation in joint logistics, and enhance interoperability through joint exercises. They also discussed developing defense-industrial cooperation to create joint capabilities in guided weapons and next-generation technologies.
Pete Hegseth said that Canberra understands the importance of maintaining a favorable balance of power in the region. In recent years, Australia has been reorienting its armed forces toward developing missile strike capabilities and deterring potential adversaries on the country's northern approaches, in view of China's military buildup.
Australia does not allow foreign military bases to be established on its territory. At the same time, US Marines are stationed annually in the northern city of Darwin for six months for exercises.
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Submarine rotation and AUKUS
Next year, a rotational submarine force under US command is expected to arrive in Western Australia. Richard Marles said that cooperation also covers logistics, air force interaction, cyberspace, and space.
According to Marles, the expansion of cooperation is a response to China's large-scale buildup of conventional armed forces. He said Australia seeks to strengthen deterrence and maintain the balance of power for peace and stability in the region.
Among other areas of interaction, AFP reported in June on plans by the US Marine Corps to create a stockpile in Australia for responding to crisis situations. Australia is also implementing the largest defense project in its history to build nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS agreement with the United States and the United Kingdom. Critics of the agreement said it does not guarantee that Australia will receive these submarines.
