Australia Boosts Defence Spending, Resists US Pressure

0:00Australia is cranking up his defense spending game, switching to the natal formula that folds in veteran pensions, housing, and intel costs. Defense Minister Richard Marles now says it'll hit almost 3% of GDP by 2033, up from the 2.4% he promised, two years back. That tweak adds $53 billion extra over the next decade. Trump's team has been leaning hard and allies like us down under, with officials like Elbridge Colby pushing for at least 3% and Pete, Hakesff gunning for 3.5. Their national strategy demands it from everyone, not just Europe, but Aussie ministers are holding firm and talks, no extra cash just to hit a number. Folks are buzzing that this looks like bending to U.S. pressure, but Marles claps back, saying under NATO math, we're outspending every Indo-Pacific. Here, topping most NATO nations in all G7 except America, it's no cave in, it's smart positioning in intense alliance. The real driver, a world-turning wild, with China's military muscle flexing hard, think

1:03last year's naval crews around our shores with live fire. The new defense strategy spells it out, eroded lines on force, rising risks, ARCA subs alone suck up 91 billion in the plan. Bottom line, even without Trump's nudge, we need this boost to stand tall against the superpower China and a shakier U.S. shield. Marles and crew deserve props for pushing cabinets of face facts before it's too late. Sydney News Today, powered by AI, bringing you what matters, I'm Cory with the story.