Australia, US to boost defence ties as China's Pacific influence grows

Australia and the United States said they would boost their defence ties in a move that could expand the U.S. military presence in Australia, while strengthening deterrence across the Pacific, where China has been expanding its influence.



After meeting U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in Washington D.C., Defence Minister Richard Marles told reporters on Wednesday that "American force posture in Australia is growing" and was on the rise across every domain.



The U.S.–Australia Force Posture Initiatives are agreements that allow U.S. military forces to train and store equipment in Australia, including the rotational deployment of aircraft and logistics support for U.S. vessels.



"We think that's really important in terms of providing deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, providing for stability and peace in the Indo-Pacific, and that's very much in Australia's national interest."



Marles did not specify if the greater level of cooperation would mean more U.S. troops being stationed in Australia, but said further details would be provided at the next meeting of Australian and U.S. defence ministers later this year.