Australia has ‘absolutely not’ committed to join US in event of war over Taiwan, Marles says

Defence minister says Aukus deal does not include arrangement to join US in a potential future conflict with China

  • Follow our Australia news live blog for the latest updates
  • Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

Australia has “absolutely not” given the US any commitment as part of the Aukus negotiations that it would join its top security ally in a potential future war over the status of Taiwan, the deputy prime minister has said.

Richard Marles made the comment as he continued to defend Australia’s multi-decade plan to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, with help from the US and the UK, at a total cost of up to $368bn between now and the mid-2050s.

Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup

Continue reading…

Breaking news from the Times of India

‘MHA approves ​Delhi annual budget 2023-24’

Breaking news from the Guardian

UN urges deployment of international ‘specialized support force’ to Haiti

Breaking news from the Telegraph

Upmarket cafe owner used dead grandfather’s blue badge to park in Knightsbridge

Breaking news from South China Morning Post

Fine or hold Hong Kong agencies criminally liable to tackle job-hopping among domestic workers, lawmakers say

Breaking news from the Times of India

‘MHA approves ​Delhi annual budget 2023-24’

Breaking news from the Guardian

UN urges deployment of international ‘specialized support force’ to Haiti

Breaking news from the Telegraph

Upmarket cafe owner used dead grandfather’s blue badge to park in Knightsbridge

Breaking news from South China Morning Post

Fine or hold Hong Kong agencies criminally liable to tackle job-hopping among domestic workers, lawmakers say

Breaking news from New York Times

Willis Reed, Hall of Fame Center for Champion Knicks, Dies at 80

346DJV7OBRIH3AH22APTBAB5QY

“Weakened“ Macron sticks with pension bill, eyes new reforms

Breaking news from the Washington Post

Japan’s PM offers Ukraine support as China’s Xi backs Russia