The United States will help Australia to produce guided multiple-launch rocket systems by 2025, said the American Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, on Saturday (July 29). The statement comes after the two-day Canberra-Washington meeting which focused on regional security and military cooperation where the officials also pledged to engage with China but also oppose it if needed.

<h2>US-Australia meetings in Brisbane</h2>

Austin and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken are in the Australian state of Queensland for the annual Australia-US ministerial dialogue (AUSMIN), with their Australian counterparts Defence Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong.&nbsp;

“We are pursuing several mutually beneficial initiatives with Australia's defence industry, and these include a commitment to help Australia produce guided multiple launch rocket systems...by 2025,” said Austin, during a press conference.&nbsp;

He added that Washington is also accelerating Canberra’s priority munitions through a streamlined acquisition process.&nbsp;

Similarly, Marles also said that Australia “hopes to see manufacturing of missiles commenced in Australia in two years’ time”. He added, “We are really pleased with the steps that we are taking in respect of establishing a guided weapons and explosive ordnance enterprise in this country.”&nbsp;

In line with this project, Australia will develop guided multiple-launch rocket systems, or GMLRS which the Pentagon chief said would help the US “sharpen our technological edge and strengthen our defence industrial base”.

This comes as Washington will help Canberra build a fledgling domestic missile industry nearly from the ground up while also securing a reliable pipeline for its own armed forces down the track.&nbsp;

There would also be an “increased tempo of visits from American nuclear-powered submarines to our waters” as a part of the agreement, said the Australian defence minister.&nbsp;

This also comes months after the two countries signed the AUKUS security treaty, a landmark military pact where Australia will develop its own nuclear-powered submarines, the progress of which was also discussed during the meetings that concluded on Saturday.

<h2>US about China and the Indo-Pacific</h2>

Meanwhile, Blinken spoke about how the “chief” among the high-profile talks with Australia was a shared commitment to a free and secure Indo-Pacific region.&nbsp;

“We’re doing that in part by engaging China, but also as necessary opposing its efforts to disrupt freedom of navigation overflight in the south and east China seas, to upend the status quo that’s preserved peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, to pressure countries through economic coercion,” said Washington’s top diplomat.&nbsp;

After the two-day talks in Brisbane, Marles and Austin were set to travel to north Queensland for the Talisman Sabre war games where Australian and US military along with 11 other nations were to take part.&nbsp;

However, they have since been put on hold after an Australian military helicopter participating in the exercises <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/queensland-military-helicopter-crash-four-missing-after-incident-620437">crashed into the ocean</a>, with at least four people onboard feared dead.

<h2>Washington-Canberra cooperation with India</h2>

The two countries also reaffirmed their commitment to enhance interoperability between the militaries of the Pacific through a range of exercises and welcomed Fiji, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Tonga’s participation in the Talisman Sabre exercise for the first time.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, India, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines were also invited as inaugural observers, reported the Indian media, citing a fact sheet released by the US Department of Defence.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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The United States will help Australia to produce guided multiple-launch rocket systems by 2025, said the American Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, on Saturday (July 29).

The United States will help Australia to produce guided multiple-launch rocket systems by 2025, said the American Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, on Saturday (July 29). The statement comes after the two-day Canberra-Washington meeting which focused on regional security and military cooperation where the officials also pledged to engage with China but also oppose it if needed. US-Australia meetings in Brisbane Austin and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken are in the Australian state of Queensland for the annual Australia-US ministerial dialogue (AUSMIN), with their Australian counterparts Defence Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong. “We are pursuing several mutually beneficial initiatives with Australia's defence industry, and these include a commitment to help Australia produce guided multiple launch rocket systems...by 2025,” said Austin, during a press conference. He added that Washington is also accelerating Canberra’s priority munitions through a streamlined acquisition process. Similarly, Marles also said that Australia “hopes to see manufacturing of missiles commenced in Australia in two years’ time”. He added, “We are really pleased with the steps that we are taking in respect of establishing a guided weapons and explosive ordnance enterprise in this country.” In line with this project, Australia will develop guided multiple-launch rocket systems, or GMLRS which the Pentagon chief said would help the US “sharpen our technological edge and strengthen our defence industrial base”. This comes as Washington will help Canberra build a fledgling domestic missile industry nearly from the ground up while also securing a reliable pipeline for its own armed forces down the track. There would also be an “increased tempo of visits from American nuclear-powered submarines to our waters” as a part of the agreement, said the Australian defence minister. This also comes months after the two countries signed the AUKUS security treaty, a landmark military pact where Australia will develop its own nuclear-powered submarines, the progress of which was also discussed during the meetings that concluded on Saturday. US about China and the Indo-Pacific Meanwhile, Blinken spoke about how the “chief” among the high-profile talks with Australia was a shared commitment to a free and secure Indo-Pacific region. “We’re doing that in part by engaging China, but also as necessary opposing its efforts to disrupt freedom of navigation overflight in the south and east China seas, to upend the status quo that’s preserved peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, to pressure countries through economic coercion,” said Washington’s top diplomat. After the two-day talks in Brisbane, Marles and Austin were set to travel to north Queensland for the Talisman Sabre war games where Australian and US military along with 11 other nations were to take part. However, they have since been put on hold after an Australian military helicopter participating in the exercises crashed into the ocean, with at least four people onboard feared dead. Washington-Canberra cooperation with India The two countries also reaffirmed their commitment to enhance interoperability between the militaries of the Pacific through a range of exercises and welcomed Fiji, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Tonga’s participation in the Talisman Sabre exercise for the first time. Meanwhile, India, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines were also invited as inaugural observers, reported the Indian media, citing a fact sheet released by the US Department of Defence. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US will help Australia develop guided missiles by 2025; cooperate with India for Indo-Pacific security

The EU complained on Thursday it was kept out of the loop on a new military partnership between the US, UK and Australia, as Brussels laid out its own strategy for the Indo-Pacific.

Washington, London and Canberra unveiled the alliance on Wednesday in what was seen as a move to counter China's rising might.&nbsp;

The announcement has fuelled fears that Europe is being cut out by Washington, with EU capitals still smarting over the way the US handled the withdrawal from Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/awkward-aukus-joe-biden-forgets-scott-morrisons-name-calls-him-that-fellow-down-under-413487" hreflang="en">Awkward Aukus: Joe Biden forgets Scott Morrison's name, calls him 'that fellow down under'</a>

The agreement to provide a nuclear submarine fleet to Australia sparked fury in EU member France, which saw its earlier multi-billion dollar deal with Canberra scrapped.&nbsp;

"We regret not having being informed, not having been part of these talks," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said.&nbsp;

"I understand how disappointed the French government will be."

But he insisted that ties with Washington had still improved dramatically since President Joe Biden replaced Donald Trump.&nbsp;

The new alliance between the US, Britain and Australia -- dubbed AUKUS -- overshadowed Borrell's own announcement detailing a new Indo-Pacific strategy for the EU.

"The AUKUS security partnership further demonstrates the need for a common EU approach in a region of strategic interest," European Council chief Charles Michel wrote on Twitter, adding that EU leaders would discuss it at a meeting in October. &nbsp;

The 27-nation bloc is looking to strengthen ties in the vast region where it says it is "already the top investor, the leading development cooperation partner and one of the biggest trading partners".&nbsp;

Part of the plan would include "exploring ways to ensure enhanced naval deployments by EU Member States to help protect the sea lines of communication and freedom of navigation", a statement said.

The could anger China, which denied a request from a German frigate to make a port call in Shanghai this week.

But Borrell insisted the strategy was "one of cooperation, not confrontation" with China.&nbsp;

The statement appeared aimed at drawing a line between the EU and Washington's approach of pressing its allies to take an increasingly tough approach towards China in the region.&nbsp;

Borrell said Australia's decision to turn its back on France in favour of the American-British pact would not harm EU ties with Canberra as the two sides look to negotiate a free trade deal.&nbsp;

"We want to foster cooperation with countries such as Australia," Borrell said.&nbsp;

"Trade agreements with Australia will continue down their path." &nbsp;&nbsp;

The EU complained on Thursday it was kept out of the loop on a new military partnership between the US, UK and Australia, as Brussels laid out its own strategy for the Indo-Pacific.

The EU complained on Thursday it was kept out of the loop on a new military partnership between the US, UK and Australia, as Brussels laid out its own strategy for the Indo-Pacific. Washington, London and Canberra unveiled the alliance on Wednesday in what was seen as a move to counter China's rising might. The announcement has fuelled fears that Europe is being cut out by Washington, with EU capitals still smarting over the way the US handled the withdrawal from Afghanistan. Also read | Awkward Aukus: Joe Biden forgets Scott Morrison's name, calls him 'that fellow down under' The agreement to provide a nuclear submarine fleet to Australia sparked fury in EU member France, which saw its earlier multi-billion dollar deal with Canberra scrapped. "We regret not having being informed, not having been part of these talks," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said. "I understand how disappointed the French government will be." But he insisted that ties with Washington had still improved dramatically since President Joe Biden replaced Donald Trump. The new alliance between the US, Britain and Australia -- dubbed AUKUS -- overshadowed Borrell's own announcement detailing a new Indo-Pacific strategy for the EU. "The AUKUS security partnership further demonstrates the need for a common EU approach in a region of strategic interest," European Council chief Charles Michel wrote on Twitter, adding that EU leaders would discuss it at a meeting in October. The 27-nation bloc is looking to strengthen ties in the vast region where it says it is "already the top investor, the leading development cooperation partner and one of the biggest trading partners". Part of the plan would include "exploring ways to ensure enhanced naval deployments by EU Member States to help protect the sea lines of communication and freedom of navigation", a statement said. The could anger China, which denied a request from a German frigate to make a port call in Shanghai this week. But Borrell insisted the strategy was "one of cooperation, not confrontation" with China. The statement appeared aimed at drawing a line between the EU and Washington's approach of pressing its allies to take an increasingly tough approach towards China in the region. Borrell said Australia's decision to turn its back on France in favour of the American-British pact would not harm EU ties with Canberra as the two sides look to negotiate a free trade deal. "We want to foster cooperation with countries such as Australia," Borrell said. "Trade agreements with Australia will continue down their path."

EU 'not informed' on US, UK and Australia alliance

&nbsp;US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday reassured full support to Australia in the face of economic coercion by China, as Washington and Canberra mark the 70th anniversary of their alliance.

Washington has repeatedly criticised what it says are Beijing's attempts to bully neighbours with competing interests, and US&nbsp;President Joe Biden has sought to bolster ties with allies in the Indo-Pacific to counter China's growing power.

"I reiterated that the United States will not leave Australia alone on the field, or maybe I should say alone on the pitch, in the face of economic coercion by China," Blinken said at a press briefing with visiting Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne.

"And we've made clear to the PRC how such actions targeting our closest partners and allies will hinder improvements in our own relationship with China," Blinken said, using the acronym for the country's official name.

China has imposed a series of trade sanctions on Australian exports ranging from wine to coal as the two countries tensions have worsened in recent years.

Successive Australian trade ministers have been unable to secure a phone call with Chinese counterparts since diplomatic tensions worsened in 2020, and last week Beijing suspended all activity under a bilateral economic dialogue with Australia.

Australia was one of the first countries to publicly ban Chinese tech giant Huawei from its 5G network over security concerns, and last year angered Beijing with its calls for an independent investigation into the origins of COVID-19.

Payne told journalists Australia had been clear that it wanted constructive ties with China.

"But we won't compromise on our national security or our sovereignty and we'll continue to act to protect that," she said.

(With inputs from agencies)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday reassured full support to Australia in the face of economic coercion by China, as Washington and Canberra mark the 70th anniversary of their alliance.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday reassured full support to Australia in the face of economic coercion by China, as Washington and Canberra mark the 70th anniversary of their alliance. Washington has repeatedly criticised what it says are Beijing's attempts to bully neighbours with competing interests, and US President Joe Biden has sought to bolster ties with allies in the Indo-Pacific to counter China's growing power. "I reiterated that the United States will not leave Australia alone on the field, or maybe I should say alone on the pitch, in the face of economic coercion by China," Blinken said at a press briefing with visiting Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne. "And we've made clear to the PRC how such actions targeting our closest partners and allies will hinder improvements in our own relationship with China," Blinken said, using the acronym for the country's official name. China has imposed a series of trade sanctions on Australian exports ranging from wine to coal as the two countries tensions have worsened in recent years. Successive Australian trade ministers have been unable to secure a phone call with Chinese counterparts since diplomatic tensions worsened in 2020, and last week Beijing suspended all activity under a bilateral economic dialogue with Australia. Australia was one of the first countries to publicly ban Chinese tech giant Huawei from its 5G network over security concerns, and last year angered Beijing with its calls for an independent investigation into the origins of COVID-19. Payne told journalists Australia had been clear that it wanted constructive ties with China. "But we won't compromise on our national security or our sovereignty and we'll continue to act to protect that," she said. (With inputs from agencies)

Blinken says US will not leave Australia alone to face China coercion

Australia&nbsp;Prime Minister Scott Morrison&nbsp;said&nbsp;on Wednesday that the country will spend A$747 million ($580 million) to upgrade four military bases in its north and expand war games with the United States.

An airstrip in the Northern Territory will be lengthened to support larger aircraft, firing ranges overhauled and new training facilities set up for defence personnel and US&nbsp;marines.

"Working with the United States, our allies and Indo-Pacific neighbours, we will continue to advance&nbsp;Australia's interests by investing in the&nbsp;Australian ­Defence Force," Prime Minister Scott Morrison said

"Our focus is on pursuing peace, stability and a free and open Indo-Pacific, with a world order that favours freedom."

The military upgrades will begin this year and be finished by 2026.

Australia&nbsp;and the United States hold biennial war games, the next of which is scheduled to begin in August.

Typically, more than 30,000 troops participate in the exercises off&nbsp;Australia's east coast.

One of&nbsp;Australia's most senior security officials earlier this week said liberal democracies must brace for war.

Home Affairs Department Secretary Mike Pezzullo did not specify the catalyst for his warning but it follows a sharp deterioration in&nbsp;Australia's relationship with China and a rise in regional tensions over Taiwan.

Relations between&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;and China have worsened since Canberra called for an international inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus, prompting trade reprisals from Beijing.

Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton on Sunday said a conflict between China and Taiwan "should not be discounted".

(With inputs from agencies)

Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Wednesday that the country will spend A$747 million ($580 million) to upgrade four military bases in its north and expand war games with the United States.

Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Wednesday that the country will spend A$747 million ($580 million) to upgrade four military bases in its north and expand war games with the United States. An airstrip in the Northern Territory will be lengthened to support larger aircraft, firing ranges overhauled and new training facilities set up for defence personnel and US marines. "Working with the United States, our allies and Indo-Pacific neighbours, we will continue to advance Australia's interests by investing in the Australian Defence Force," Prime Minister Scott Morrison said "Our focus is on pursuing peace, stability and a free and open Indo-Pacific, with a world order that favours freedom." The military upgrades will begin this year and be finished by 2026. Australia and the United States hold biennial war games, the next of which is scheduled to begin in August. Typically, more than 30,000 troops participate in the exercises off Australia's east coast. One of Australia's most senior security officials earlier this week said liberal democracies must brace for war. Home Affairs Department Secretary Mike Pezzullo did not specify the catalyst for his warning but it follows a sharp deterioration in Australia's relationship with China and a rise in regional tensions over Taiwan. Relations between Australia and China have worsened since Canberra called for an international inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus, prompting trade reprisals from Beijing. Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton on Sunday said a conflict between China and Taiwan "should not be discounted". (With inputs from agencies)

PM Scott Morrison says Australia to upgrade military bases, expand wargames with US

The United States is planning to build additional military infrastructure in Australia once Congress gives approval to the US Navy for $211.5 million, Australian foreign minister Marise Payne said on Tuesday.

The plans for a bigger <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-deeply-disappointed-by-detention-of-citizen-in-china-237046">US footprint in Australia </a>come at a time when the Western allies have become increasingly concerned by China's efforts to expand its influence in the Pacific.

"The development of facilities will support the Force Posture Initiatives," Payne told Sky News, referring to agreements reached in 2011 between the United States and Australia to enhance their defence relationship.

Those initiatives entail 2,500 US Marines training in Australia each year, and regular joint training between the allies' air forces.

Payne did not say what military infrastructure the United States aimed to build, but Australian media reported earlier this month that Washington had plans for a new port facility near Darwin, the capital of Australia's Northern Territory.

US Marines deployed in an annual rotation for training are housed in an Australian base at Darwin.

"A port is the missing leg of the stool in US military engagement with Australia," said Euan Graham, director of the national security program, La Trobe University.

A US embassy spokesman in Canberra declined to comment, and Australia's Defence Department said it would expect concrete plans only when the proposal is approved by the US Congress.

If the United States does build a port facility in Darwin it would be located near the Port of Darwin, which China’s Landbridge Group Co secured a 99-year lease over in 2015 - much to the annoyance of the United States.

Tensions between Washington and Beijing have escalated since the 2016 election of US President Donald Trump, who ignited a trade war with China, while also increasing military exercises in the Asia-Pacific region.

The United States is planning to build additional military infrastructure in Australia once Congress gives approval to the US Navy for $211.5 million, Australian foreign minister Marise Payne said on Tuesday.

The United States is planning to build additional military infrastructure in Australia once Congress gives approval to the US Navy for $211.5 million, Australian foreign minister Marise Payne said on Tuesday. The plans for a bigger US footprint in Australia come at a time when the Western allies have become increasingly concerned by China's efforts to expand its influence in the Pacific. "The development of facilities will support the Force Posture Initiatives," Payne told Sky News, referring to agreements reached in 2011 between the United States and Australia to enhance their defence relationship. Those initiatives entail 2,500 US Marines training in Australia each year, and regular joint training between the allies' air forces. Payne did not say what military infrastructure the United States aimed to build, but Australian media reported earlier this month that Washington had plans for a new port facility near Darwin, the capital of Australia's Northern Territory. US Marines deployed in an annual rotation for training are housed in an Australian base at Darwin. "A port is the missing leg of the stool in US military engagement with Australia," said Euan Graham, director of the national security program, La Trobe University. A US embassy spokesman in Canberra declined to comment, and Australia's Defence Department said it would expect concrete plans only when the proposal is approved by the US Congress. If the United States does build a port facility in Darwin it would be located near the Port of Darwin, which China’s Landbridge Group Co secured a 99-year lease over in 2015 - much to the annoyance of the United States. Tensions between Washington and Beijing have escalated since the 2016 election of US President Donald Trump, who ignited a trade war with China, while also increasing military exercises in the Asia-Pacific region.

US planning additional military infrastructure in Australia: Foreign minister Marise Payne

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop on Sunday criticised <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/watch-trump-tells-frances-first-lady-youre-in-such-good-shapebeautiful-17908" target="_blank">comments </a>by US&nbsp;President Donald Trump on French first lady Brigitte Macron&#39;s appearance.

&quot;You&#39;re in such good shape,&quot; Trump was filmed on Thursday telling her during his first state visit to France.

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US President Donald Trump praised French first lady Brigitte Macron for being in &quot;such good shape&quot; on Thursday during his state visit to France (WION)
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&quot;I wonder if she could say the same of him?&quot; Bishop told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, when asked whether she would be flattered or offended if the comment were directed at her. &quot;I&#39;d be taken aback, I think. It&#39;s a rather interesting comment to make,&quot; she said.

Bishop declined further comment on the Paris remark, but added an unprompted observation on Trump&#39;s use of social media, saying she wouldn&#39;t &quot;run a commentary on his Twitter account&quot;.

&nbsp;

A bad start

The criticism follows an acrimonious January telephone call between Trump and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, when the American hung up after 25 minutes rather than the scheduled hour, according to the Washington Post.

In June, the relationship between the two countries hit the spotlight again, after the release of a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/australian-pm-mocks-trump-over-russian-guy-at-off-the-record-media-party-16861" target="_blank">leaked tape</a> of Turnbull mocking Trump at an off-the-record media event.

But the two leaders &quot;get along great,&quot; Trump had declared in May, following his first-face-to-face meeting with Turnbull.

Julie Bishop said she'd be taken aback by Trump's comments if they were directed at her. She declined to remark on his Twitter account

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop on Sunday criticised comments by US President Donald Trump on French first lady Brigitte Macron's appearance. "You're in such good shape," Trump was filmed on Thursday telling her during his first state visit to France. US President Donald Trump praised French first lady Brigitte Macron for being in "such good shape" on Thursday during his state visit to France (WION) × "I wonder if she could say the same of him?" Bishop told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, when asked whether she would be flattered or offended if the comment were directed at her. "I'd be taken aback, I think. It's a rather interesting comment to make," she said. Bishop declined further comment on the Paris remark, but added an unprompted observation on Trump's use of social media, saying she wouldn't "run a commentary on his Twitter account". A bad start The criticism follows an acrimonious January telephone call between Trump and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, when the American hung up after 25 minutes rather than the scheduled hour, according to the Washington Post. In June, the relationship between the two countries hit the spotlight again, after the release of a leaked tape of Turnbull mocking Trump at an off-the-record media event. But the two leaders "get along great," Trump had declared in May, following his first-face-to-face meeting with Turnbull.

Australian foreign minister criticises Trump's remark to French first lady