United States and Australia discuss new military cooperation, Covid-19, and China

On Tuesday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne met and had high-level discussions on coronavirus pandemic, new military cooperation, China. They likewise agreed to restore and reinforce a unified front against China and what they called Beijing’s bad conduct all through the Asia Pacific region.

They blamed China for breaking international rules in the South China Sea and pledged to maintain the freedom of navigation along with law and democratic rights in Hong Kong. 

Today, Pompeo and US Defense Secretary Mike Esper met with Payne and Australia’s Defense Minister Linda Reynolds to talk about new military cooperations and the US military presence in Darwin. 

Proceeding with the annual talks in Washington amid the pandemic crisis, Australia’s defense and foreign ministers offered full support for a hawkish stance on China by the Trump administration. 

Payne lauded Australia’s longstanding friendship with the US. However, she emphasized that Australia would decide its personal interests over anything that the US says against the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). 

Pompeo praised Australia for postponing its extradition treaty with Hong Kong that the Trump administration is likewise pressing as China proceeds to impose checks on dissenting in the former British region. He additionally censures China for utilizing pressure to check Australia from taking such activities by targeting exports to the nation. 

Payne stated that Australia would work towards holding all states responsible for breaking the international law and would bolster allies in fighting.

China’s disintegration of freedom rights in Hong Kong.We will rise and continue supporting our allies

Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne

Article Credit: The Hill/ US News/ 9News