Australia and U.S. to Tackle Climate Change and Strategic Competition at AUSMIN Talks

Australia and U.S. defense and foreign ministers will discuss topics including China, climate change, and the AUKUS nuclear submarine project. The talks will highlight the expanding role of U.S. forces in Australia and cooperation on defense industry and resource issues. Bipartisan U.S. political support for the AUKUS program was noted.

Australia and U.S. defense and foreign ministers are set to discuss China, climate change, and the AUKUS nuclear submarine project during pivotal AUSMIN talks this week, according to America's top diplomat to Australia.

On Monday, Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Defense Minister Richard Marles had pre-AUSMIN meetings in Washington, emphasizing the growing U.S. Marine rotational force in northern Australia and increased defense industry cooperation. "America's force posture in Australia is expanding notably; AUKUS is a key part, but not the only part," Marles discussed with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

Washington's sale of three nuclear-powered submarines to Australia under the AUKUS pact is scheduled for the next decade. Australian Foreign Minister Wong highlighted bipartisan U.S. support for the program amid an upcoming U.S. election. Ambassador Caroline Kennedy indicated that discussions would cover China's strategic role and climate change, particularly in Pacific Islands.

In environmental cooperation, Australia will invest A$200 million to improve ground station facilities for processing data from NASA's Landsat Next satellite, aiding environmental monitoring and resource exploration through satellite data when the program begins in 2030. The U.S. and its allies are also looking to decrease China's market dominance in critical minerals essential for various technologies.

(With inputs from agencies.)