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U.S. Urges Australia to Boost Defense Spending to 3.5%

6/2/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The U.S. is pushing Australia to boost its defense spending to 3.5% of GDP, exceeding the planned 2.4% by 2034. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stressed the urgency for allies to fortify military budgets in response to escalating threats from China. Meanwhile, Australia’s Defense Minister Richard Marles affirmed that spending will focus on national priorities.

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Story summary

The U.S. is pushing Australia to boost its defense spending to 3.5% of GDP, exceeding the planned 2.4% by 2034. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stressed the urgency for allies to fortify military budgets in response to escalating threats from China. Meanwhile, Australia’s Defense Minister Richard Marles affirmed that spending will focus on national priorities.