US and Australia eye more defence co-operation

The United States and Australia looked towards greater defence co-operation in view of China's increasingly assertive moves on maritime disputes.
Following a meeting at the Oval Office, which lasted about an hour, US President Barack Obama praised Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott for increasing his defence budget despite tough economic times.
"I should note that Australia, under the Prime Minister's leadership, is increasing its defence budget, even under tough times, recognising that we all have to make sure that we're doing our fair share to help maintain global order and security," Obama told reporters.
Obama soon referred to the increasing assertiveness of China in the region.

"Both the United States and Australia have enormous trade relationships with China, and we both agree that it's important to continue to see China prosper and rise.
"But what's also important is that as China emerges as this great world power that it also is helping to reinforce and abide by basic international law and norms," he said.

Abbott agreed.
"Obviously, right now, there are a whole range of security issues which the United States is leading on and where Australia is doing our part to secure the freedom and the safety of the world and its citizens," he said.

"I want to assure the President that Australia will be an utterly dependable ally of the United States. The United States has had to bear many burdens, many burdens.
"The United States has paid a very high price to secure freedom and prosperity for many countries, not just itself. And the United States should never have to do all that work on its own," Abbott said.
Later White House fact sheet said the US views its alliance with Australia as an anchor of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
"We will work with Australia to sustain a stable security environment and regional order rooted in economic openness, respect for international law and norms, peaceful resolution of disputes, and respect for universal rights and freedoms," it said.

After their meeting, Obama and Abbott announced the conclusion of the US-Australian Force Posture Agreement, which will deepen their long-standing defense cooperation, the White House said.
Potential areas where defense cooperation could be enhanced include maritime capacity building, and humanitarian assistance/disaster relief, it said.