in his recent announcement, however competition between the two countries over military influence in the Indo-Pacific region has grown over the recent past. Diplomatic relations between Beijing and Canberra reached a new low last year, following PM Morrison’s call for an investigation into the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting retaliatory trade restrictions from China.
While diplomatic ties between Canberra and Beijing continue to deteriorate, on the other hand, Australia has won the favour of the United States, with the two countries often collaborating in matters of regional security. The next biennial military simulations conducted by Australia and the US are scheduled to begin in August, with the participation of more than 30,000 troops.
“The United States and Australia have been deeply engaged in defence cooperation for over half a century,” said Michael Goldman, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. embassy in Canberra. “We will continue to look for additional ways to partner with Australia, as our ally, to advance the security and prosperity of Americans, Australians, and the peoples of the Indo-Pacific region.”
