Hegseth praises Australia for ‘stepping up’ as he shifts tone on China
AI Summary
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles stated that the seabed is becoming a battlefield amid rising regional tensions. This statement contrasts with the US Defence Secretary's more conciliatory approach toward China, highlighting strategic security concerns in the Indo-Pacific.
While the US defence secretary struck a more conciliatory tone on China, Defence Minister Richard Marles said the seabed was “becoming a battlefield”.