Australia's long-standing partnership with US faces growing doubts

For over a century, Australia and the US have stood together in every major conflict, with their alliance described as a “strategic marriage.” Yet, as global tensions rise, many Australians are now questioning if their reliance on the US is still as strong as it once was.

President Donald Trump’s treatment of longstanding allies, such as Canada and Europe, has sparked growing concern in Australia, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media. 

Trump’s economic threats, including hefty tariffs and doubts over the US commitment to NATO, have unsettled Australians, particularly as the country faces its own tariffs: a 10 per cent levy on exports to the US and 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminum. 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that these moves will “have consequences for how Australians see this relationship.” As China’s growing military power impacts the region, Australia is taking a closer look at its military partnership with the US and questioning whether it needs to consider a "Plan B." “We are dealing with a very different America,” said former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. “We’re dealing with an America whose values no longer align with ours.” 

With a population of 27 million and a vast landmass, Australia has always relied on strong allies for defense, first Britain, then the United States. Recently, the US has become even more integral to Australia's military strategy. US Marines rotate through northern Australia, American submarines dock on its western coast, and in 2021, Australia signed the AUKUS agreement with the US and the UK to acquire nuclear-powered submarines. However, the AUKUS deal, which aims to counter China's growing influence, has raised questions about the US ability to deliver the submarines on time and whether it could entangle Australia in conflicts over Taiwan. 

The instability of the Trump administration has only intensified these concerns. Despite calls for a more independent defense, Australia remains closely tied to the US, with political leaders not fully communicating the resources needed for a shift. “I don’t think we need to waste time on a Plan B,” said Dennis Richardson, a former Australian ambassador to Washington. “The worst possible thing we could do at this point would be to change horses.” Ultimately, Australia's alliance with the US remains crucial for maintaining regional balance, though its future may depend on how the relationship evolves.

By Naila Huseynova