Australian PM Albanese Meets Trump to Advance Critical Minerals Role in AUKUS Submarine Deal

President Donald Trump met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the White House to discuss enhancing cooperation on critical minerals and defense, including the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal. Australia aims to leverage its significant deposits of rare earths and other critical minerals to reduce reliance on China, which currently dominates global supply and has imposed export controls. The meeting also focused on trade, investment, Indo-Pacific stability, and Australia's financial contributions to bolster U.S. submarine production and maintenance under AUKUS. Despite Australia's public skepticism towards the Trump administration, Canberra emphasizes its strategic partnership with the U.S. to counterbalance China's growing influence in the Pacific region. Australian officials expressed confidence that the submarine deal will proceed despite a review by the Trump administration and hope for a reduction of U.S. tariffs on Australian goods amid ongoing trade tensions. Both leaders sought a positive and constructive dialogue, with Australia positioning itself as a reliable supplier of critical minerals essential for advanced technologies and defense.