President Donald Trump has reaffirmed America’s commitment to the AUKUS defense pact while making clear that the United States’ unmatched military power remains the ultimate safeguard for peace in the Indo-Pacific region.
AUKUS is the trilateral security alliance between the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the White House, Trump fielded questions about the purpose of AUKUS and its role in countering Communist China’s growing military aggression.
“I think it is, but I don’t think we’re going to need it,” Trump said when asked if AUKUS was essential to deter Beijing.
“I think we’ll be just fine with China. China doesn’t want to do that,” he continued, signaling confidence that his administration’s firm diplomatic posture would prevent escalation.
“The Strongest Military Power in the World — By Far”
Trump emphasized that America’s strength alone remains the most effective deterrent against foreign adversaries.
“The United States is the strongest military power in the world by far. It’s not even close, not even close,” Trump said.
“We have the best equipment.
“We have the best of everything, and nobody is going to mess with that.”
AUKUS “Still on Track” Under Trump
While expressing optimism about U.S.–China relations, Trump reaffirmed his administration’s continued support for AUKUS and its objectives.
The president noted that the submarine project, a cornerstone of the agreement, had faced delays under previous leadership but is now “being accelerated” under his direction.
“We have the best submarines in the world, anywhere in the world, and we’re building a few more, currently under construction,” Trump said.
Established in 2021, AUKUS is designed to strengthen military cooperation and counter the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) regional influence.
The initiative, valued at roughly A$350 billion (US$227 billion) over three decades, includes plans for Australia to purchase at least three Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines from the United States, with an option to buy two more, before transitioning to a jointly built SSN-AUKUS model.
“We’re Going to Get Along Very Well”
Despite tensions with Beijing over trade and regional security, Trump adopted a measured and diplomatic tone toward CCP leader Xi Jinping, expressing confidence in future cooperation.
“I think we’re going to get along very well,” Trump said.
“We have a very good trade relationship.
“We’re going to have a very good …
“I think we’ll end up with a very strong trade deal – both of us will be happy.”
Trump confirmed he is expected to meet Xi later this month in South Korea, as part of ongoing discussions on trade and regional stability.
Parallels with Australia’s China Relationship
The president also drew comparisons between U.S.–China and Australia–China relations, describing both as “complex but manageable.”
“We have a very good relationship with China,” Trump said.
“But, you know, it’s been probably a little bit like your relationship with China.
“They try and take advantage, but most countries do.”
He pointed to his administration’s record of renegotiating trade agreements as evidence of America’s renewed strength on the world stage.
“The European Union took advantage, but not anymore,” Trump said.
“We’ve worked out a very fair trade deal with Japan. We worked out a very fair deal with South Korea, where I’ll be meeting President Xi. We worked out a very fair deal, and I expect we’ll probably work out a very fair deal with President Xi of China.”
Tough Tariffs Amid Escalating Trade Tensions
Trump’s remarks came amid heightened economic tensions between Washington and Beijing.
Earlier this month, China blacklisted nearly a dozen U.S. defense firms and imposed export restrictions on critical rare earth materials used in semiconductors and advanced weapons systems.
In response, Trump announced sweeping new tariffs on Chinese goods, adding another 100 percent duty.
The new duty brings the total tariff rate for China to 130 percent.
Trump described the move as a firm defense of American manufacturing and national security.
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