Defence Minister Richard Marles (Getty Images)
Defence Minister Richard Marles’ support for US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s call for increased Asia-Pacific security contributions, particularly to counter China’s military build-up, has sparked significant backlash.
Prime Minister Albanese has reportedly been upset by Marles’ stance. Albanese recently criticised a security think tank report warning of Australia’s unpreparedness for regional conflict, showing his sensitivity to escalating military rhetoric. Marles’ alignment with Hegseth, especially amid pressure from the Trump administration to raise Australia’s defence spending to 5% of GDP (from the current 2.02%), directly contradicts Albanese’s more cautious approach. This has created tension within the government, with Albanese likely viewing Marles’ comments as undermining his authority and Australia’s independent foreign policy.
Australians, too, are frustrated. Many see this as a repeat of Peter Dutton’s failed strategy of aligning closely with the Trump administration, which contributed to his election loss. Scores of comments on X reflect this sentiment, with some calling Marles’ approach “America-friendly” and a betrayal of national interests. Others argue that the focus on military spending – potentially at the expense of social programs, community infrastructure, and welfare – prioritises US agendas over domestic needs. For instance, there’s concern that funds could be better used to build a better society rather than fueling what some see as a provocative stance against China.
China, predictably, has reacted strongly. Beijing issued statements condemning Hegseth’s rhetoric as “defamatory,” accusing the US of being the true hegemonic power destabilising the Asia-Pacific. China also dismissed comparisons between Taiwan and Ukraine as “unacceptable,” asserting Taiwan as an internal affair. Marles’ call for transparency on China’s military build-up, made at the Shangri-La Dialogue, was met with silence from Beijing, which instead sent a low-level delegation to the summit, signaling its displeasure. China’s criticism extends to the broader US-led push, including the AUKUS pact, which Marles defended as “on track” despite regional unease.
Additionally, an overwhelming number of commentators on social media have criticised Marles for potentially escalating tensions with China. They argue that Australia should avoid provocative actions – such as sending warships near China’s coast – and focus on diplomacy rather than aligning with a US administration that has slashed Pacific aid and abandoned the Paris Agreement, moves that Pacific nations have also criticised.
Overall, the criticism paints Marles’ alignment with Hegseth as a risky move that alienates his own government, frustrates Australians wary of US influence, and provokes China, all while regional stability hangs in the balance.
The backlash reflects deep concerns about the implications of Marles’ stance, both domestically and regionally. The tension with Albanese, public frustration, and China’s response highlight the complexity of Australia’s position in this geopolitical context.
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US Defence Secretary, Hegseth, jets into Singapore and tell the largely Asian delegates at the Shangri-La Dialogue that they must spend more on armaments and weaponry to counter China in what could only be preparation for WWIII.
Being a bit of a cynic on these matters I have to ask, where will all these Asian countries including Australia purchase their weaponry ? A rhetorical question perhaps as Hegseth doesn't expect us to buy from China does he : what he and his boss want us to do is buy from good old Uncle Sam - it's no coincidence that the first overseas visist by the Trumper was to Saudi Arabia to sell them more armaments but in their case the bogey man was said to be Iran.
Another rhetorical question: are these arms salesmen [Hegseth and Trump] on a commission, isn't that how it works ?
Perhaps Mr Hegseth would do us all a favour and support Ukraine in its efforts to liberate themselves and stop selling weaponry to Israel !
More inflamatory, hyocritical and hysterical rrhetric from the worlds worst terrorist the USA. Australias alignmnent with the USA will be to our detrimemt if war breaks out and as usual the USA loses. The USA couldnt beat North Vietnam in a war, yet it arrogantly thinks it can beat a very well armed China.
Politically generated fear, does Marle's really believe China is going to attack us? Doesn't he realise America only promotes war to improve it's military industries bottom line.
America wants the EU and most of the so called "free world" to increase the amount they spend on military equipment, which America is only to willing to sell them.
The only thing to be scared of, is American greed and it's arms industry.
Marles is a warmonger in thrall to the US military Industrial complex. Hegseth is a warmongering dunderhead. They make a disturbing team and Albanese should be starting to see that Marles is harming our relationship with our biggest trading partner. I personally hope China keeps to just talking about invading Taiwan rather than actually doing it because I believe Taiwan has the right to be viewed as its own independent (and democratic) country. Back to Marles and his assurances AUKUS is alive and well confirms his stupidity. Albanese needs to act on his reported reservations and dump him. It would look messy but is necessary for Australia’s long-term interests vis-a-vis both the US and China.
If it wasn't for Labor's antiquated factional deals, Marles would be looking for another job.He should be moved along as a matter of course.
He hasn’t read the room.
Thanks for this article, Michael.
AUKUS has resurfaced as an issue with coverage on French Television through Channel 2 of Paris. Was all this part of an Australian coup by Scott Morrison against Malcolm Turnbull with support from Boris Johnson and Joe Biden with the support of military industrial complexes of the Anglo countries?
I have a draft article on this issue.
Keep up the cryptic comments Harry Lime!
Harry Lime: Agreed. Retched mediocrity aka Richard Marles has an ego much bigger than any of his abilities and little likelihood of improving the necessary skills while in office.
.
Without a doubt Mediocrity is the greatest challenge that LABOR has to four successive terms in government to rectify the past nine (9) years of corrupt COALition maladministration & misgovernment. His ego games already evident in the right-left factional fight over Ministries, shows that he puts personal aggrandisement before every consideration of national well-being.
Talk about Marles not reading the room! Utterly predictable that he should be enthralled by the wretched tattooed incompetent alcoholic bed-hopping freak Hegseth. Anyone with a skerrick of common sense wouldn't touch the toxic American carpetbagger with a ten-foot pole. Czesław Przybyszewski, a 3.05 metre Polish giant, said he wouldn't touch him either.
Contrarian view perhaps, but the reason we need to increase defence spending is because we now can't rely on the US, not because we're "America friendly". Australian officials, including Wong, have been warning about the threat China is to regional peace and a rules based global order. China overtly state they will "reunify" with Taiwan by any means necessary, including military force. This needs to be deterred and prevented, and the risk to Australia prepared for. Aus Defence spending needs to be nuanced. Yes AUKUS submarines a centre piece, but a lot of the spending needs to be on Australian national resilience. Seeing early signs with Korean military gear now being manufactured in Aus (note not all just US products), and of course Aus shipbuilding, but we should be doing more, especially on things like strategic fuel reserves and a merchant fleet.
Harry, do you really think China is going to attack us and if you do, please tll us why?
China already has a large stake in Australia and lots of their children study here, just why would you risk going to war, when you are getting what you want now?
As for AUKUS, do you really think two or three second hand subs would defend our country? There is nothing to stop China, if they chose to attack us now, Trumps got his handsful with the Middle East, the Ukraine plus internal issues.