Latest news with #RoyalAustralianNavy
The Age
4 days ago
- Business
- The Age
Rudd pushes back on US claim that Australia needs to ‘step up' on defence
Washington: Australian ambassador to the US Kevin Rudd has pushed back against claims Canberra needs to step up its contribution to the collective deterrence of China in the Indo-Pacific, telling a security conference that Australia had already done the things now being asked of it by the Trump administration. Rudd said Australia led the way in identifying strategic concerns about the rise of China and its military force, citing the 2009 defence white paper he released as prime minister, and had made corresponding changes to its defence strategy. 'Without saying 'we told you so', we did,' Rudd said when asked whether Australia needed to increase defence spending more urgently in response to recent Chinese military exercises in the region. 'If you look at the trajectory of what our government has been doing – reallocation of resources to the Royal Australian Navy, the movement now in terms of nuclear-powered submarines - that consciousness [about China] has been alive and well in our part of the world.' Rudd noted the high level of integration between the two nations' navies. 'We are cheek by jowl with the United States in the Indo-Pacific. We know what new capabilities are required. We're investing in those capabilities. So we're pretty bullish about our contribution to collective deterrence going forward,' he said. The former Labor prime minister was addressing the Aspen Security Forum on Saturday (AEST) at a critical moment in Indo-Pacific relations as the US pushes regional allies to lift defence spending and make clearer commitments about what they would do in a conflict involving the US and China over Taiwan or other issues. Specifically, the Pentagon is seeking undertakings about how its Virginia-class submarines would be used once they are sold to Australia under the AUKUS agreement, and is also calling for the Albanese government to lift defence spending by about $40 billion a year, to 3.5 per cent of GDP. Confirming a recent news report that said the Pentagon had asked Australia and Japan to clarify what they would do in a conflict with China, the US official leading the AUKUS review, defence undersecretary Elbridge Colby, said the US was urging allies to 'step up their defence spending and other efforts related to our collective defence'.
Sydney Morning Herald
4 days ago
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Rudd pushes back on US claim that Australia needs to ‘step up' on defence
Washington: Australian ambassador to the US Kevin Rudd has pushed back against claims Canberra needs to step up its contribution to the collective deterrence of China in the Indo-Pacific, telling a security conference that Australia had already done the things now being asked of it by the Trump administration. Rudd said Australia led the way in identifying strategic concerns about the rise of China and its military force, citing the 2009 defence white paper he released as prime minister, and had made corresponding changes to its defence strategy. 'Without saying 'we told you so', we did,' Rudd said when asked whether Australia needed to increase defence spending more urgently in response to recent Chinese military exercises in the region. 'If you look at the trajectory of what our government has been doing – reallocation of resources to the Royal Australian Navy, the movement now in terms of nuclear-powered submarines - that consciousness [about China] has been alive and well in our part of the world.' Rudd noted the high level of integration between the two nations' navies. 'We are cheek by jowl with the United States in the Indo-Pacific. We know what new capabilities are required. We're investing in those capabilities. So we're pretty bullish about our contribution to collective deterrence going forward,' he said. The former Labor prime minister was addressing the Aspen Security Forum on Saturday (AEST) at a critical moment in Indo-Pacific relations as the US pushes regional allies to lift defence spending and make clearer commitments about what they would do in a conflict involving the US and China over Taiwan or other issues. Specifically, the Pentagon is seeking undertakings about how its Virginia-class submarines would be used once they are sold to Australia under the AUKUS agreement, and is also calling for the Albanese government to lift defence spending by about $40 billion a year, to 3.5 per cent of GDP. Confirming a recent news report that said the Pentagon had asked Australia and Japan to clarify what they would do in a conflict with China, the US official leading the AUKUS review, defence undersecretary Elbridge Colby, said the US was urging allies to 'step up their defence spending and other efforts related to our collective defence'.
West Australian
6 days ago
- Politics
- West Australian
Sussan Ley says Anthony Albanese needs to do more to call out Chinese navy for circumnavigating Australia
Sussan Ley says Anthony Albanese should have done more to call out the Chinese navy for its circumnavigation of Australia, saying she was 'disappointed' China's President Xi Jinping did not give his assurance that it would not happen again. Ms Ley said Australia wanted a 'respectful relationship' with China, but said the Prime Mininster needed to 'hold his ground'. 'We wish the Prime Minister well on his visit to China, and of course we want to see more trade and tourism,' she told Today on Thursday. 'I am disappointed that there wasn't an assurance that we wouldn't have a repeat of circumnavigation of our coastline, live firing, civilian aircraft having to be diverted out of that airspace. 'It's not good enough. We want a strong, respectful relationship, but that respect has to cut both ways. 'It's important to demand that accountability, it is important in those government-to-government conversations that the Prime Minister holds his ground.' Mr Albanese raised the February circumnavigation and live-firing exercise with President Xi during his trip to China this week. 'I said what I said at the time, which was that it was within international law … but that we were concerned about the notice and the way that it happened, including the live-fire exercises,' Mr Albanese said. 'In response, of course, President Xi said that China engaged in exercises just as Australia engages in exercises.' Defence Minister Richard Marles on Thursday repeated it was crucial China acted in accordance with international law. 'It is much more the case that the Royal Australian Navy is in the vicinity of China than the Chinese Navy is in the vicinity of Australia,' he told the ABC. 'We're not trying to establish some standard in the vicinity of Australia which would impede our work with the Royal Australian Navy in the vicinity of China, which is actually much more the case. 'We're not there gratuitously; we're there because that's where our sea lines of communication are. 'That's where we need to be asserting rules based order and freedom of navigation. 'It is really important that the Royal Australian Navy is able to continue its work there, so what we seek is that China . . . acts in accordance with international law.' But Mr Ley took aim at Mr Marles, saying it was not his job to make excuses for China. 'Richard Marles' job is not to make excuses for the Chinese Communist Party, but to actually hold them to account,' she said. Opposition spokesman James Paterson echoed Ms Ley, saying it was 'troubling' to see President Xi had played down Australia's concerns about his flotilla's journey. 'I'm pleased the Prime Minister raised it, but it is troubling to see that President Xi was dismissive about this, and that the People's Liberation Army Navy can be expected to conduct more live-firing exercises like this in the future in our region without notice, just like it does around the Philippines Vietnam ... or Taiwan,' he told told Sky News. 'We've seen really significant escalation of military exercises around Taiwan in a way that should be troubling to all Australians because what we believe in is the preservation of the peaceful status quo across the Taiwan Strait. 'It is critically important that the Prime Minister, I hope, has used the opportunity of meeting with China's leaders during this visit to reaffirm that with absolute clarity and unambiguously.' Mr Paterson also claimed Mr Albanese's trip to China, which included retracing Gough Whitlam's steps at the Great Wall, was starting to look 'a little bit indulgent'. 'I do wonder whether a Gough Whitlam history tour on the Great Wall of China, whether a visit to Chengdu to pose with some pandas, and whether a hit of tennis is strictly necessary as part of a six-day visit to China, when there is so much else at stake in our other international relationships around the world,' he said. 'And frankly, I have to say that some of this is starting to look a little bit indulgent.' Mr Albanese's trip has been centred on repairing business and trade ties after a diplomatic spat under the Morrison government triggered a series of damaging import bans on key commodities, which have since been lifted.
The Hindu
13-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
India joins bilateral military exercise in Australia
India, along with 18 other nations, is participating in Talisman Sabre 2025, a major bilateral military drill led by Australia that commenced on Sunday (July 13, 2025). Now in its 11th iteration, the Talisman Sabre is the largest and most sophisticated warfighting exercise ever conducted in Australia, the Department of Defence, Australia, said in a statement. The exercise unites more than 35,000 military personnel from 19 nations. 'Over the next three weeks, more than 35,000 military personnel from Australia and partnering nations will deploy across Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia, New South Wales and Christmas Island [in Australia]. For the first time, activities will also be conducted outside of Australia in Papua New Guinea,' the statement said. In addition to the U.S., military forces from Canada, Fiji, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, and the U.K. would join as partners. Malaysia and Vietnam will attend as observers. This edition of the military exercise would consist of live-fire exercises and field training activities, incorporating force preparation activities, amphibious landings, ground force manoeuvres, and air combat and maritime operations. It will also feature a range of new Australian Defence Force capabilities, including UH-60M Black Hawks and the Precision Strike Missile. Vice-Admiral Justin Jones, the Chief of Joint Operations, Royal Australian Navy, will join Lieutenant General Joel B. Vowell, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Pacific, for the official opening at Garden Island, Sydney, Australia.
The Advertiser
11-07-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
'Free and safe' Indo-Pacific eyed in trilateral deal
Australia has joined the United States and Japan in signing a trilateral navy agreement to enhance supply chains and maintain a "free and open Indo-Pacific". Aboard the USS America, an amphibious assault ship of the US Navy docked at the port of Brisbane, top brass signed the deal that enables trilateral discussions. American Vice Admiral Jeff Jablon, Japanese Rear Admiral Naoya Hoshi and Royal Australian Navy Commodore Catherine Rhodes all pledged confidence in deeper collaboration for years to come. "Free and open Indo-Pacific is our aim and our purpose," Vice Adml Jablon said. "Any country or adversary to a threat to a free and open Indo-Pacific, this is a message to that country, or countries." The trilateral agreement aims to strengthen the nations' combined readiness and enhance relationships between the nations. "We are very hopeful that by doing this we will open the door for multiple opportunities for us to work together in the future," Cdre Rhodes said. "This is about making sure our logistics network throughout the region is reinforced through its relationship." The deal is a shared commitment among US, Australian and Japanese navies that strengthens cohesive ability to refuel, rearm, resupply, repair, and sustain their fleets. Adml Hoshi said initiatives as part of the agreement are not theoretical and are already making a difference. He lauded the commitment to regional security and maritime co-ordination between the nations. "We are strengthening our combined readiness," he said. The USS America, USS San Diego and USS Rushmore three-ship strike group are all docked at Brisbane's port. America's lead ship is expected to depart the city ahead of Exercise Talisman Sabre, a joint military exercise involving Australian and US armed forces. Australia has already begun treaty talks with neighbouring Papua New Guinea over a new defence deal, after a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and PNG Defence Minister Billy Joseph in February. The bilateral agreement is set to create a framework for the two nations' militaries to step up their co-operation. More than 1000 defence force personnel from both countries travelled for joint training and exercises last year under the Australia-PNG defence partnership. Talisman Sabre has also been earmarked to be taken to PNG, Mr Marles said in February. The USS America boasts 2500 marines and sailors aboard and focuses mainly on disaster relief and amphibious operations in the Pacific region. Cargo helicopters for movement of supplies sit atop the flight deck near F-35 B fighter jets. Australia has joined the United States and Japan in signing a trilateral navy agreement to enhance supply chains and maintain a "free and open Indo-Pacific". Aboard the USS America, an amphibious assault ship of the US Navy docked at the port of Brisbane, top brass signed the deal that enables trilateral discussions. American Vice Admiral Jeff Jablon, Japanese Rear Admiral Naoya Hoshi and Royal Australian Navy Commodore Catherine Rhodes all pledged confidence in deeper collaboration for years to come. "Free and open Indo-Pacific is our aim and our purpose," Vice Adml Jablon said. "Any country or adversary to a threat to a free and open Indo-Pacific, this is a message to that country, or countries." The trilateral agreement aims to strengthen the nations' combined readiness and enhance relationships between the nations. "We are very hopeful that by doing this we will open the door for multiple opportunities for us to work together in the future," Cdre Rhodes said. "This is about making sure our logistics network throughout the region is reinforced through its relationship." The deal is a shared commitment among US, Australian and Japanese navies that strengthens cohesive ability to refuel, rearm, resupply, repair, and sustain their fleets. Adml Hoshi said initiatives as part of the agreement are not theoretical and are already making a difference. He lauded the commitment to regional security and maritime co-ordination between the nations. "We are strengthening our combined readiness," he said. The USS America, USS San Diego and USS Rushmore three-ship strike group are all docked at Brisbane's port. America's lead ship is expected to depart the city ahead of Exercise Talisman Sabre, a joint military exercise involving Australian and US armed forces. Australia has already begun treaty talks with neighbouring Papua New Guinea over a new defence deal, after a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and PNG Defence Minister Billy Joseph in February. The bilateral agreement is set to create a framework for the two nations' militaries to step up their co-operation. More than 1000 defence force personnel from both countries travelled for joint training and exercises last year under the Australia-PNG defence partnership. Talisman Sabre has also been earmarked to be taken to PNG, Mr Marles said in February. The USS America boasts 2500 marines and sailors aboard and focuses mainly on disaster relief and amphibious operations in the Pacific region. Cargo helicopters for movement of supplies sit atop the flight deck near F-35 B fighter jets. Australia has joined the United States and Japan in signing a trilateral navy agreement to enhance supply chains and maintain a "free and open Indo-Pacific". Aboard the USS America, an amphibious assault ship of the US Navy docked at the port of Brisbane, top brass signed the deal that enables trilateral discussions. American Vice Admiral Jeff Jablon, Japanese Rear Admiral Naoya Hoshi and Royal Australian Navy Commodore Catherine Rhodes all pledged confidence in deeper collaboration for years to come. "Free and open Indo-Pacific is our aim and our purpose," Vice Adml Jablon said. "Any country or adversary to a threat to a free and open Indo-Pacific, this is a message to that country, or countries." The trilateral agreement aims to strengthen the nations' combined readiness and enhance relationships between the nations. "We are very hopeful that by doing this we will open the door for multiple opportunities for us to work together in the future," Cdre Rhodes said. "This is about making sure our logistics network throughout the region is reinforced through its relationship." The deal is a shared commitment among US, Australian and Japanese navies that strengthens cohesive ability to refuel, rearm, resupply, repair, and sustain their fleets. Adml Hoshi said initiatives as part of the agreement are not theoretical and are already making a difference. He lauded the commitment to regional security and maritime co-ordination between the nations. "We are strengthening our combined readiness," he said. The USS America, USS San Diego and USS Rushmore three-ship strike group are all docked at Brisbane's port. America's lead ship is expected to depart the city ahead of Exercise Talisman Sabre, a joint military exercise involving Australian and US armed forces. Australia has already begun treaty talks with neighbouring Papua New Guinea over a new defence deal, after a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and PNG Defence Minister Billy Joseph in February. The bilateral agreement is set to create a framework for the two nations' militaries to step up their co-operation. More than 1000 defence force personnel from both countries travelled for joint training and exercises last year under the Australia-PNG defence partnership. Talisman Sabre has also been earmarked to be taken to PNG, Mr Marles said in February. The USS America boasts 2500 marines and sailors aboard and focuses mainly on disaster relief and amphibious operations in the Pacific region. Cargo helicopters for movement of supplies sit atop the flight deck near F-35 B fighter jets. Australia has joined the United States and Japan in signing a trilateral navy agreement to enhance supply chains and maintain a "free and open Indo-Pacific". Aboard the USS America, an amphibious assault ship of the US Navy docked at the port of Brisbane, top brass signed the deal that enables trilateral discussions. American Vice Admiral Jeff Jablon, Japanese Rear Admiral Naoya Hoshi and Royal Australian Navy Commodore Catherine Rhodes all pledged confidence in deeper collaboration for years to come. "Free and open Indo-Pacific is our aim and our purpose," Vice Adml Jablon said. "Any country or adversary to a threat to a free and open Indo-Pacific, this is a message to that country, or countries." The trilateral agreement aims to strengthen the nations' combined readiness and enhance relationships between the nations. "We are very hopeful that by doing this we will open the door for multiple opportunities for us to work together in the future," Cdre Rhodes said. "This is about making sure our logistics network throughout the region is reinforced through its relationship." The deal is a shared commitment among US, Australian and Japanese navies that strengthens cohesive ability to refuel, rearm, resupply, repair, and sustain their fleets. Adml Hoshi said initiatives as part of the agreement are not theoretical and are already making a difference. He lauded the commitment to regional security and maritime co-ordination between the nations. "We are strengthening our combined readiness," he said. The USS America, USS San Diego and USS Rushmore three-ship strike group are all docked at Brisbane's port. America's lead ship is expected to depart the city ahead of Exercise Talisman Sabre, a joint military exercise involving Australian and US armed forces. Australia has already begun treaty talks with neighbouring Papua New Guinea over a new defence deal, after a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and PNG Defence Minister Billy Joseph in February. The bilateral agreement is set to create a framework for the two nations' militaries to step up their co-operation. More than 1000 defence force personnel from both countries travelled for joint training and exercises last year under the Australia-PNG defence partnership. Talisman Sabre has also been earmarked to be taken to PNG, Mr Marles said in February. The USS America boasts 2500 marines and sailors aboard and focuses mainly on disaster relief and amphibious operations in the Pacific region. Cargo helicopters for movement of supplies sit atop the flight deck near F-35 B fighter jets.
