"Anthony Albanese has arrived in the US for a long-awaited meeting with President Donald Trump, where they are expected to discuss the Aukus pact an agreement a respected Republican has called a crucial deterrent in the Indo-Pacific that keeps [the Chinese president, Xi Jinping] up at night. Albanese arrived in Washington DC late on Sunday night local time (Monday afternoon AEDT) ahead of his meeting with Trump at the White House on Monday morning local time (Tuesday morning AEDT)."
"Disembarking his jet into heavy rain in Maryland, Albanese was greeted on the tarmac by Australia's ambassador to the US, Kevin Rudd, and other diplomatic officials. Albanese said it was wonderful to be here, stepping off the plane after nearly 24 hours in transit on to a waiting motorcade that ferried him into Washington DC. Albanese and Trump were expected to discuss Aukus and defence, trade and tariffs among other economic issues, and the potential for Australia to furnish the US with a guaranteed supply of critical minerals."
"The Pentagon review of Aukus which was signed by Trump's predecessor, Joe Biden remained ongoing, a Department of War spokesperson told Guardian Australia last week. Sign up: AU Breaking News email Michael McCaul, a Republican from Texas who until recently chaired the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said he hoped plans for a strong and successful Aukus would be high on Trump and Albanese's meeting agenda, even as a Pentagon review into the partnership remained ongoing. McCaul, who also formerly served as chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security, spoke highly of Aukus on the eve of Albanese's visit. While serving as Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I worked extensively to reform and strengthen AUKUS, which I believe serves as a critical deterrent to the CCP's malign activities in the Indo-Pacific, McCaul told Guardian Australia."
Anthony Albanese arrived in Washington DC for a scheduled White House meeting and lunch with President Donald Trump. He disembarked in Maryland and was met by Australia's ambassador to the US, Kevin Rudd, and diplomatic officials. The agenda included AUKUS, defence cooperation, trade, tariffs and the possibility of Australia guaranteeing critical minerals supply to the United States. A Pentagon review of AUKUS, signed under Joe Biden, remained ongoing during the visit. Republican Michael McCaul urged strong AUKUS plans and described the pact as a critical deterrent to the Chinese Communist Party in the Indo-Pacific.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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