Australia and US to strengthen military ties in the face of growing Chinese influence

US President Joe Biden and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a new security pact on Thursday, September 22, 2024, a move that will see the two countries work more closely to counter China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

The pact, which was announced at a joint press conference in Washington, DC, will see the US and Australia share more intelligence, conduct more joint military exercises, and develop new technologies to counter China's military buildup.

The announcement comes amid growing concerns about China's military expansion in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in the South China Sea, where China has been building artificial islands and military bases.

The US and Australia have long been close allies, and the two countries have worked together on a range of security issues in the past, including counterterrorism and maritime security.