By Richard Wood11 July 2022 at 23:37
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles has marked a major boost for Australian military power in the Pacific region during a visit to the US.
Marles, who is also defense minister, told an American think tank that Australia would “do its part” to strengthen its military capabilities in the region.
He also said Australia and the United States must increase their presence in the Pacific to avoid a “catastrophic failure of deterrence” amid growing tensions.
“We can’t afford to stand still,” Marles said in a speech at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.
“In the coming years, the US-Australia alliance will not only have to operate in a much more challenging strategic environment in the Indo-Pacific, but will also have to contribute to a more effective balance of military power to avoid catastrophic failure. of deterrence “.
During his visit, Marles will hold talks with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to discuss defense ties, including the AUKUS agreement under which Australia will acquire nuclear-powered submarines.