Defence Minister Richard Marles says Australia cannot rely on the United States alone to counter China’s military strength in the Indo-Pacific, as his US counterpart insists America’s regional allies should contribute more to their own defence.<\/p>\n
Mr Marles, speaking at a global security conference in Singapore, warned China had embarked on the largest conventional military build-up since World War II, and was “doing so without providing any strategic transparency or reassurance”.<\/p>\n
“This remains a defining feature of the strategic complexity that the Indo-Pacific and the world faces today,” he said on Saturday.<\/p>\n
His comments followed assurances from US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth that the Trump administration would not abandon allies in the Indo-Pacific to military and economic pressure from China.<\/p>\n
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US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, right, with President Trump in March. (Reuters: Carlos Barria)<\/p>\n
In a keynote speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue hosted by the International Institute for Security Studies, Mr Hegseth vowed the US would bolster its defences overseas in response to Beijing’s actions.<\/p>\n
But he also stressed the need for America’s allies and partners to increase their own defence spending and preparations, saying the US was not interested in going it alone in the region.<\/p>\n
“Ultimately a strong, resolute and capable network of allies and partners is our key strategic advantage,” he said.<\/p>\n
“China envies what we have together, and it sees what we can collectively bring to bear on defence \u2014 but it’s up to all of us to ensure that we live up to that potential by investing.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Speaking later in the morning, Mr Marles told the conference Mr Hegseth’s comments emphasising the US’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific were “deeply welcome”.<\/p>\n
“The reality is that there is no effective balance of power in this region absent the United States,” he said.<\/p>\n
“But we cannot leave this to the US alone.<\/p>\n
“Other countries must contribute to this balance as well, including Australia.”<\/p>\n
Marles open to defence spending hike after meeting Hegseth <\/a><\/p>\n
Australia is on track to reach defence spending levels of 2.33 per cent of GDP by 2033-34, but for months the Trump administration has pressured the government to get to at least 3 per cent.<\/p>\n
He said Australia was increasing its own defence spending “to contribute to an effective regional balance where no state concludes that force is a viable way to achieve strategic goals”.<\/p>\n
Australia is currently on track to reach defence spending levels of 2.33 per cent of GDP by 2033-34, up from its current level of 2.02 per cent.<\/p>\n