In a recent meeting with Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, US President Joe Biden emphasised America's ongoing commitment to its alliance with Australia, citing it as a necessity because the United States is a "Pacific nation," reported the AFR.
Biden's remarks offer a glimpse into China's apprehensions regarding the Canberra-Washington alliance.
"I was asked by Xi Jinping a couple of years ago why I was working so hard with your country. And I said, 'Because we’re a Pacific nation'," Biden said.
He looked at me, and I said, ‘Yeah, we’re a Pacific nation – the United States’. We are, and we’re going to stay that way."
When queried about China's re-engagement with Australia and the trustworthiness of such interactions, Biden responded, "Trust but verify is the phrase".
Albanese is set to visit China, Australia's largest trading partner, on November 4.
What's on the cards
The leaders discussed numerous issues, including a new space agreement allowing US commercial satellite launches in Australia.
Other notable collaborations include a $9.8 million boost for new artificial intelligence cooperation and an agreement to enhance research and development in critical minerals.
The meeting between Biden and Albanese confirmed other partnerships, including cooperation with Japan on developing unmanned aerial systems and financing for Pacific Island countries.
Albanese expressed his optimism for a "constructive dialogue" with Xi Jinping, underscoring the importance of national sovereignty and rule of law in regional peace.