Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Patrick for his question. Firstly, I think that no matter from whom any exhortation to Australia comes, in terms of defence spending we have a very, very significant reply, and it's called the defence strategic update. Secondly, I would say that the United States' relationship with China, and vice versa, is a matter, of course, for each of those countries, not for Australia. It's a matter for any US administration, no matter who is the elected US administration.

What I would say, though, is in relation to the Indo-Pacific. The Indo-Pacific is where we both live—the United States and Australia. It's the home of our greatest responsibilities. It's the home of our most compelling priorities. What we do in our work through AUSMIN and in our bilateral relationship is all about making the most meaningful contributions we can to foster a better Indo-Pacific—an Indo-Pacific that is open, secure, prosperous and based on the rule of law.