The United States of America in a meeting with Australian officials requested them to increase their defense budget. According to BBC US officials requested Australia to increase budget to to support their bilateral relations that includes their security and also strategic challenges.
China’s influence:
The US-China conflict over Taiwan is increasing as both countries warn each other. China warned America that Taiwan is their personal matter while America reassured them that they will support Taiwan in order to protect their assets and state recognition.
As a result, China is increasing their military influence in the Indo-Pacific region and therefore tension between the US and China is increasing. In order to overcome the tension US requested its bilateral partner Australia to increase its military and defense budget.
Concerns over China’s policies:
Australia showed deep concerns over China’s new policies about the Taiwan issue and also their military influence near the Indo-Pacific region. Through the ANZUS treaty both Australia and the US have a long history of cooperation in fields of military, economic and also in regional issues. The US also requested Australia to invest in nuclear power projects to overcome the recent tension raised due to China’s policy.
- Increase GDP budget to overcome military problems
- Deep concerns over Chinese policy , army influence in Indo-Pacific region
- More details about the meeting will be shared later
The US and Australia collectively decided that they will share the burden of regional security costs. More dialogues between the US and Australia in military affairs are expected. Australia’s budget is already way much increased and their officials said they might have to decrease other priorities in the budget to achieve the goal. Australia didn’t respond clearly to US requests but they showed interest in mutual defense strategies and more.
Funding can help Australia to increase budget and also both counties agreed on mutual investments on defense projects.
The meeting between both countries’ military officials took place in Singapore. Pete Hegseth the US military official met Australian military official Richard Males in Singapore over the weekend. The US military official requested an increase in the budget to 3.5% GDP.
The Australian budget is 2%GDP and they are in a positive position where for next 10-15 years their military budget will be 2.5% GDP. In order to meet the demand of the US , Australia will need 40 billion dollars more to reach 3.5% GDP.
Prime Minister of Australia:
Australia requested countries to share their budget for regional security. On a news conference where Prime minister of Australia Anthony Albanese was asked about military budget he replied:
“ Australia will plan its military budget after discussions with officials and members”. Australian officials said that they are ready for dialogues over military defence issues. While America clearly wanted its close allies to increase their military budget to overcome the panic situation raised due to the increase of Chinese Military in the Indo-Pacific region. Both countries are expected to talk about tariff policy of the US in next meetings.
Summary:
● US wants its close allies to increase their military budget
● More dialogues are expected to discuss military policy
● Australia requested countries to share a Military budget for regional peace and stability.
