US House Passes Key Legislation - Australia's National Defence Strategy
The US’ $8.2 Billion Commitment to the Indo-Pacific
The United States House of Representatives passed supplemental foreign aid bills geared towards Ukraine, Israel, and security in the Indo-Pacific region. The legislation provides $60.8 billion for Ukraine, $26.4 billion for Israel, and $8.1 billion for Indo-Pacific security.
The Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act is aimed to “...continue efforts to counter communist China and ensure a strong deterrence in the region”. The exact proportion of the aid towards specific objectives can be found below:
$3.3 billion to develop submarine infrastructure, including investments in dry dock construction.
$2 billion in Foreign Military Financing Program for Taiwan and other key allies and security partners in the Indo-Pacific confronting Chinese aggression.
$1.9 billion to replenish defence articles and defence services provided to Taiwan and regional partners.
$542 million to strengthen U.S. military capabilities in the region.
$133 million to enhance the production and development of artillery and critical munitions.
Provides additional flexibility for Foreign Military Financing loans and loan guarantees.
The allocations are aimed at increasing defence expenditures in the Indo-Pacific. It is unclear which of these budgetary allocations would aid the Quad’s initiatives. Allocations towards developing submarine infrastructure may aid the ‘Quad’s Partnership for Cable Connectivity and Resilience’. India is an important partner for the US in aiding engagement with the Indo-Pacific, especially the Indian Ocean Region, and therefore, higher region contributions by the US would spur the overall India-US security and defence relationship.
In March earlier this year, the US Indo-Pacific Command also requested an additional $11 billion in funding for fiscal 2025, with priorities including defence systems in Guam to counter Chinese missiles, according to Nikkei Asia.
Australia Releases National Defence Strategy
Australia released a ‘National Defence Strategy’ (NDS) last week, committing to prioritise practical and tangible cooperation that directly contributes to Indo-Pacific stability. It also commits to “...support[ing] India’s key role in the Indo-Pacific region by increasing the depth and complexity of [d]efence cooperation…[t]he government will continue to seek opportunities with India to drive practical bilateral and multilateral cooperation, defence industry cooperation and information sharing”.
The strategy also emphasises other “like-minded partners” across Southeast Asia, the Pacific, the Indian Ocean, and North Asia. In this context, the Australian High Commissioner to India, Phillip Green, said India was a “top-tier” partner for Australia.
In recent years, India’s engagement with Australia has ramped up, particularly security ties. At the recent 2+2 meeting between them, both acknowledged that defence had become one of the most important pillars of the strategic partnership.
Read this piece published by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute concerning key facets of the strategy.
If you like reading the Quad Bulletin, do consider subscribing!