Australia and Canada have pledged to enhance their defence collaboration while condemning China’s assertive claims over contested waters in the Indo-Pacific region.
Defence Minister Richard Marles, addressing reporters from Vancouver, emphasised the need for closer cooperation between the two nations to maintain regional stability. Alongside his Canadian counterpart Bill Blair, Marles issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea and its military activities near Taiwan.
The statement reiterated their firm opposition to destabilising and coercive measures in the South China Sea, including dangerous maneuvers and the militarization of disputed areas. They also highlighted China’s aggressive behaviour toward Philippine vessels near a contested shoal, which has heightened fears of a broader conflict involving the United States—a key ally of the Philippines.
The Australian and Canadian navies will continue to conduct joint exercises in the South China Sea as part of their commitment to regional security.
Marles arrived in Canada after recent talks in the United States, where Australia announced plans to co-develop guided weapons with the US starting next year.
Keating says AUKUS will make Australia the “51st State”
In a separate development, former Prime Minister Paul Keating has criticised the AUKUS agreement, a central component of the Albanese government’s defence strategy. The pact with the United States and Britain will see Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarines. Keating argued that the AUKUS deal risks making Australia a “51st state” of the US and dismissed the future of Taiwan, claimed by China, as not a crucial Australian interest.
Anthony Albanese has dismissed Paul Keating’s latest blast at his government over the AUKUS nuclear submarines deal, saying the world has changed in the three decades since the Labor legend was prime minister.
“Paul was a great prime minister that ended in 1996. Paul has his views. They’re well known. The world has changed between 1996 and 2024. My government is doing what we need to do today, and everyone will get a go here.””Paul was a great prime minister that ended in 1996. Paul has his views. They’re well known. The world has changed between 1996 and 2024. My government is doing what we need to do today, and everyone will get a go here.”
