What's at Stake in Albanese-Trump Meeting

US-Australia Relations & Geopolitics - The US-Australia alliance remains strong, with Australia being largely exempt from criticism regarding allies exploiting the US, even with potential changes in US administration [5][6] - Australia and Papua New Guinea's security deal sends a message to China that Australia is the leading regional security partner in the Pacific Islands [15][16] - Australia's relationship with China has improved since 2022 due to Australia standing firm against economic coercion, setting a precedent for future relations [13][14] AUKUS Agreement & Defense - The Pentagon review of the AUKUS agreement is anticipated, with speculation that its results will be revealed before an upcoming meeting [1][2] - There is skepticism among defense observers regarding the US's ability to deliver submarines as promised under the AUKUS agreement, given the limitations of the American defense industrial capacity [3] - The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, indicated the review is positive for Australia and will endorse the core of the AUKUS agreement [2] Trade & Economic Policy - Specific deals with the US on rare earths may signal a shift away from open economic principles that have benefited Australia since the 1980s [11] - Despite the US running a trade surplus, there is surprise that Australia was hit with trade issues [8] - Australia's biggest trading partner is China, requiring a balancing act between relationships with China and the US [12]