Opinion
Australia must be more self-reliant – but it can’t afford to throw the US baby out with the bathwater | Arthur Sinodinos | The GuardianAustralia must be more self-reliant – but it can’t afford to throw the US baby out with the bathwater
Even under Trump, the American system of alliances is fundamental for Indo-Pacific security. That means staying the course on joint initiatives such as Aukus
We must plan for a world where Australia is more self-reliant in economics, defence and security and has more options because it has built strong partnerships with like-minded democracies across the globe. But it cannot afford to throw the baby out with the bath water. The American system of alliances remains fundamental to the security of the Indo-Pacific, including America. We need them and they need us.
The Trump administration is committed to the Asia pivot because of its own interests; a dominant China in east Asia is not in their interest. We need to keep smoothing the process of engagement. Staying the course on joint initiatives such as Aukus, the force posture activities in northern Australia, building on our decades of intelligence cooperation, will all assist.
Keep calm and carry on: Top-ranking UK MP drops into SA for subs talks - News | InDaily, Inside South AustraliaKeep calm and carry on: Top-ranking UK MP drops into SA for subs talks
Amid turbulent defence commentary from the American president, the chief secretary to the UK Prime Minister quietly jetted into Adelaide to meet key leaders over the nation’s vital subs deal last week.