Our leaders are quick to warn that we live in uncertain times.
The war in Ukraine shows no sign of ending. The Middle East is a quagmire.
China is continuing an aggressive stance in our region, so it was significant that Anthony Albanese rebuked China over its controversial ballistic missile tests in the Pacific as he attended the Pacific Islands Forum.
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China does not take criticism well so there is likely to be some fallout.
The current tense strategic environment means Australia has a strong case to convince the US of the need for close defence ties.
A meeting between US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Defence Minister Richard Marles in Washington on Wednesday indicated the US defence relationship is progressing well.
Last year Mr Hegseth made clear he expected Australia to increase its military spending from 2 per cent to 3.5 per cent of gross domestic product.
At the meeting this week he took the opportunity to remind Mr Marles of the expectation that Australia must pay its way.
But there were also pointers to even closer co-operation, which will add to the opportunities for defence-related industries that will be needed for the establishment and ongoing operation of facilities such as that south of Perth which will be a key part of the AUKUS submarine pact.
A readout of the meeting provided by the US says the men discussed how both nations would continue to advance the alliance and strengthen deterrence in the Pacific.
The spending reminder was clear. “Secretary Hegseth emphasized the need for capable allies to contribute to the collective defence and invest in their own sovereign security,” the readout says.
But there were new opportunities looming.
“The Secretary noted the alignment between US and Australian National Defence Strategies and also acknowledged that Canberra recognizes the gravity of maintaining a favourable balance of power in the region to ensure that both countries remain safe and prosperous.”
The leaders agreed to accelerate joint military efforts at Australian bases and “bolster cooperation in combined logistics, and build greater interoperability through joint exercises”.
“They also discussed progress on defence industrial cooperation to enable shared capacity for guided weapons and next-generation capabilities.”
And they “spotlighted advancements in the AUKUS partnership and welcomed the recent arrival of US Navy sailors in Western Australia to support the commencement of Submarine Rotational Force – West activities in 2027”.
Asked whether the US had requested Australia to do more on military capability or spending, Mr Marles insisted the Government had allocated an additional $117 billion into the 10-year time frame.
“In respect of defence spending . . . we have a good story to tell here,” Mr Marles said.
“That we now have defence spending at 2.8 per cent of GDP by the NATO measure puts us ahead of most NATO countries,” he said.
The meeting was a welcome development.
The long-standing US relationship remains of the greatest importance.
It offers both security and economic opportunity.
