Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles will head to Washington this week for high-level talks with U.S. officials, as the Trump administration’s review of the $368 billion (US$238 billion) AUKUS submarine pact prolongs uncertainty over its future.
In Washington, Marles is scheduled to meet U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and senior administration officials, while also engaging with key defence industry stakeholders.
“The alliance between Australia and the United States is built on an enduring foundation of trust, collaboration, and a shared vision for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” Marles said ahead of his visit.
He added that the trip would build on discussions he held with Hegseth at the Shangri-La Dialogue in May….