Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has faced intense diplomatic scrutiny in Washington as she joined her counterparts from the US, Japan, and India at a high-stakes Quad summit, amid growing uncertainty in Australia-US relations and a pending bilateral meeting with President Trump.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the importance of strengthening critical mineral supply chains, citing it as a strategic economic pillar for the Quad partnership. “It’s not just about raw material access – we must secure processing and refining capabilities. That’s essential for all industries,” Rubio said, describing the Quad as a “vehicle for action, not just dialogue.”
Wong, who has been under pressure following Prime Minister Albanese’s inability to meet Trump at the G7 or NATO summits, reiterated the depth of US-Australia relations. “We acknowledge the Trump administration sees America’s global role differently. We respect that, but we also assert our national interest,” she said.
The Foreign Minister is expected to advocate for Australia’s position on key issues including the newly imposed 10% US tariffs and the future of the AUKUS submarine deal, which is undergoing Pentagon review to assess its alignment with Trump’s “America First” doctrine.
Wong used her platform in Washington to maintain high-level engagement, thanking Rubio for US cooperation on the Middle East crisis and stressing the urgency of joint strategic action. “This is a crucial Quad meeting, and we gather amid escalating global tensions. Our collective strength is vital for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific,” she said.
Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya, speaking via translator, added that the region, home to over half the world’s population, must remain stable for global economic wellbeing.
With nearly a quarter of the world’s people represented among the four Quad nations, Wong is seeking to assert Australia’s status as a reliable middle power. Her meetings with Rubio, Jaishankar, and Iwaya mark a pivotal moment as Canberra recalibrates its position in a more volatile and multipolar world.
