What Role Will Australia Play in U.S.-China Competition?

With the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom ramping up bilateral efforts through AUKUS–finalizing the timeline for the delivery of conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines, promising deepening ties via intelligence sharing, and aiding in capacity building for the maintenance of the submarines–Australia is solidifying its position as a key component of the United States’ Asia strategy. Canberra has just released its Defense Strategic Review, which recommends a significant ramp-up to meet the perceived Chinese threat. At the same time, China and Australia have begun engaging substantively again after a long gap, and bilateral economic tensions appear to be easing.

One year after a new government led by Anthony Albanese took over in Canberra, where does the U.S.-Australia alliance stand? What is the significance of the emerging thaw between China and Australia? Could Australia play a moderating role in the increasingly fraught U.S.-China rivalry despite its defense buildup?

To hear the answers to these questions and more, join us for an updated take from our three insightful panelists who we also featured last year: Bec Strating, Associate Professor of Politics and International Relations at La Trobe University; Hugh White, Emeritus Professor of Strategic Studies at the Australian National University; and Sam Roggeveen, Director of the International Security Program at the Lowy Institute. Sarang Shidore, Director of Studies and Senior Research Fellow at the Quincy Institute, will moderate.