Australia, US Discuss Defence Spending Increase Indo-Pacific Security

At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles met with U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to discuss the Australia-U.S. alliance and regional security, including the AUKUS partnership. Hegseth urged Australia to increase its defense spending to at least 3% of GDP, a request consistent with the Trump administration's previous calls, while Australia is on track to reach 2.33% by 2033-34. Marles expressed willingness to continue the conversation on boosting defense budgets, emphasizing Australia's significant recent increases and the need for strategic clarity in spending. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticized the Australian Strategic Policy Institute's warning about military underfunding, but the government remains committed to strengthening defense capabilities and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific. The dialogue underscored the broader U.S. efforts to encourage allies to enhance their military contributions amid regional tensions. Both ministers acknowledged the importance of balanced defense spending in response to evolving strategic threats in the Indo-Pacific region.