Donald Trump says the Aukus defence agreement struck with Australia and the UK is a deterrent for China – but adds “we’re not going to need it”
The US president adds that the deal is now moving “full steam ahead”, with only “minor” clarifications needed – here’s a quick look at the deal
He says he’ll be discussing the defence agreement further as he greets Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to the White House
Trump and Albanese have kicked off their meeting by signing a deal on critical minerals and rare earths – a key objective for the US as it seeks to move away from dependence on China.
Albanese will seek to reassure the US that Australia remains a useful partner as China grows increasingly influential in the Pacific.The Trump administration announced this month it would undertake a 30-day review of the Aukus agreement – the deal struck in 2021 that would see US nuclear submarines sold to Australia, and new-design nuclear-powered Aukus submarines built in the UK and Australia.
