Grassroots Labor group urges Albanese government to chart course away from ‘American war machine’
A grassroots Labor group is pressuring the Australian government to adopt a foreign policy independent of the US, citing concerns over the high number of US military installations in Australia. The government maintains that these sites operate under Australian command and invitation.
Why it matters
This highlights growing domestic tension regarding Australia's defense alignment and sovereignty in the context of US-China geopolitical competition.
The foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, told the Senate on Monday the US military presence in the country is ‘at Australia’s invitation’, and that the defence sites were ‘Australian bases under Australian command’. Photograph: Darren England/AAP The foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, told the Senate on Monday the US military presence in the country is ‘at Australia’s invitation’, and that the defence sites were ‘Australian bases under Australian command’. Photograph: Darren England/AAP Australian military Grassroots Labor group urges Albanese government to chart course away from ‘American war machine’ Pressure follows revelations US military and weapons manufacturers control or have access to more than 100 bases across Australian continent
Why can the US access so many Australian military bases? – podcast
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