Richard Marles: “We have to go ahead with the Aukus submarine project as there was no 'plan B'”

Reality is that there is no effective balance of power in this region absent the United States, but we cannot leave it to the United States alone.

We have spoken previously about Australia being able to provide strategic depth to Japan across a range of areas, but one of them is the use.

We're working closely with the US to support Australia's national interests and national security, in areas such as defence and emerging technologies, like artificial intelligence.

This initiative is a clear demonstration of that enduring partnership in action.