Trump, Albanese Meet at White House to Discuss Rare Earths, AUKUS Defense Partnership

President Donald Trump is meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to discuss strengthening trade and defense ties, focusing on Australia's critical minerals sector, including rare earth elements vital for technology and defense. The leaders aim to advance projects under the AUKUS security pact, which involves Australia's purchase and co-development of nuclear-powered submarines, enhancing Indo-Pacific stability. Australia is positioning itself as a reliable supplier of rare earths to reduce dependence on China, which currently dominates global rare earth production and has tightened export controls recently. Both leaders emphasize the importance of their alliance as a counterbalance to China’s growing influence, with plans for increased U.S.-Australia cooperation on processing critical minerals and defense manufacturing. The meeting also covers broader issues including Ukraine, Hamas, and future U.S.-China relations, with Trump highlighting potential new economic and security deals. Australian officials express confidence in the continuation of AUKUS, underscoring Australia's financial commitments to boost U.S. submarine production capacity and maintenance capabilities.