Richard Marles waves friendship flag in US

Defence Minister Richard Marles has flown to the US to meet with his American counterpart, Lloyd Austin, to discuss the AUKUS agreement and deepening ties.

Defence Minister Richard Marles. Picture: Liam Kidston

Defence Minister Richard Marles has flown to the US for the first time since taking office to meet with his American counterpart, Lloyd Austin, to discuss the AUKUS agreement and deepening ties between the countries.

It comes ahead of the Albanese government deciding in the next six to eight months whether it will choose a US or British design when it comes to the build of a nuclear submarine fleet agreed to under the AUKUS deal.

The AUKUS pact includes development of hypersonic missiles and “electronic warfare capability” between the three countries, as well more information-sharing on defence technologies.

Australia is set to become the first state without nuclear weapons to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, with the International Atomic Energy Agency last week warning that the government of the day would need to engage with the UN as the submarines were built to allow the agency to “verify the peaceful use” of the nuclear materials.

Mr Marles said he was looking forward to bringing “new energy” to the relationship with the US, which is Australia’s most important defence partner.

“For over 70 years, ANZUS has been a powerful demonstration that neither the US nor Australia stand alone.

“In the evolving strategic environment, the strength of this enduring partnership is more important than ever,” the Deputy Prime Minister said. “I am ambitious about what Australia and the US can achieve together, and look forward to bringing new energy to the table.

“It is critical that we work together with our allies and partners to protect the rules-based inter­national order.”

It comes as China issued four new conditions to Canberra for the successful resetting of the bilateral relationship.

One of the conditions urged Australia not to “be manipulated by a third party” in a veiled swipe at the Australian-US relationship.

Anthony Albanese and US President Joe Biden met within days of Labor winning the election, with the Prime Minister making Australia’s new climate ambitions and security in the Indo-Pacific central to the bilateral talks between the two leaders.

Mr Marles will also address the Australian American Leadership Dialogue and deliver a keynote address to the Centre of Strategic and International Studies while in the US.

University of Western Australia Defence and Security Institute director Peter Dean said the visit was an opportunity for Mr Marles to give further “reassurance” to the US regarding the AUKUS deal, which was signed under the Coalition.

“There will also be lots they need to discuss on the changes that will need to be made to US export controls for the collaboration signalled under AUKUS,” he said.

“It also presents the chance to speak to a broader US audience about the new Australian government agenda and its view of the region and of the US.”

Employment Minister Tony Burke will address the leadership dialogue as well, where he will discuss issues including employment and workplace relations.

“I will also be presenting on the Australian parliament in my ­capacity as Leader of the House,” he said.

“During my visit, I will also be meeting with key stakeholders and officials related to my ­employment and workplace relations portfolio.

“Additionally, I will attend AUKUS-related meetings at the White House and congress.”