Washington | The US Senate has sent the clearest message yet that America wants to strengthen its military and economic links with Australia and New Zealand in the face of threats in the region by introducing a formal resolution aimed at highlighting the ANZUS alliance ahead of the treaty’s 70th anniversary.

The Friends of Australia Caucus, comprising 98 Democrats and Republicans, recently submitted a resolution setting out five ambitions. They include support for “new opportunities to deepen and broaden military and security relations . . . and economic ties”.