SYDNEY: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese embarked on a significant journey on Monday, as he travelled to the United States for a four-day visit, with the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal topping his agenda.
Australia’s formal security ties with the United States date back to the early 1950s, and Prime Minister Albanese emphasized that “the alliance between Australia and the United States is central to Australia’s foreign policy.”
During his official visit to the U.S., Prime Minister Albanese is set to hold his ninth meeting with President Joe Biden within the past 16 months, highlighting the enduring and robust relationship between the two nations.
One of the primary objectives of this visit is to engage with members of the U.S. Congress to discuss the necessary legislation for advancing the AUKUS alliance. This trilateral accord, established in September 2021 in conjunction with the United States and Britain, represents a significant milestone. Under this agreement, Australia gains access to nuclear-powered submarines for the first time, which is estimated to cost the nation up to $244 billion. The AUKUS pact is widely viewed as a strategic response to China’s increasing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Ambassador Kevin Rudd, who is Australia’s envoy to the United States and a former Prime Minister, remarked that the AUKUS partnership would be a focal point of Albanese’s visit to Washington. In addition to addressing AUKUS-related legislation, discussions are expected to cover various key areas, including clean energy, information technology, defense technology, and critical minerals. Rudd emphasized the importance of “broadening the economic relationship” between the two nations.
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China has previously voiced its opposition to the AUKUS accord, criticizing the United States, Britain, and Australia for pursuing their own interests “in complete disregard of the concerns of the international community.” Nevertheless, Australia’s approach under Prime Minister Albanese appears to focus on constructive dialogue and cooperation, as he confirmed plans to visit Beijing in early November to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
One positive development in Australia-China relations is the suspension of a dispute over Australian wine exports at the World Trade Organization. Both countries are working to defuse long-standing trade and diplomatic tensions. In a reciprocal move, China has agreed to review the controversial tariffs imposed on Australian wine imports. Canberra, for its part, is suspending its action within the WTO. This step marks a positive shift in a relationship marred by trade disputes and geopolitical tensions, with other restrictions on Australian commodities, such as barley, already having been lifted.
During his time in Washington, Prime Minister Albanese’s itinerary includes a state dinner and an Oval Office meeting with President Biden, reflecting the enduring strength and depth of the Australia-U.S. partnership. The discussions and initiatives arising from this visit will play a vital role in shaping the strategic landscape of the Indo-Pacific region and global affairs, as both nations work together to address shared challenges and opportunities.
