Kevin Rudd on Trump: Unpredictability is not necessarily bad from China's perspective on its strategic future regarding Taiwan

Australian Ambassador to the United States Kevin Rudd said on Friday that Australia is cooperating with the U.S. Department of Defense in reviewing the submarine project under the AUKUS (also known as the AUKUS agreement) and believes all issues raised will be resolved.

Rudd made these remarks at the Aspen Security Forum in Colorado, emphasizing the long-standing alliance between the U.S. and Australia, as well as his close relationship with Deputy Secretary of Defense for Policy Colin Kahl, who initiated this review.

Speaking about Kahl, Rudd said, "We are working with Bridget (Kahl) and her team on the AUKUS review... We are confident we can resolve every issue he has raised in the internal review at the Department of Defense."

Rudd added, "Bridget has visited my home many times, and we have known each other for a long time, so I am confident, in addition to our mature relationship within our two defense institutions... we will find a way to address these issues."

Last week, the Financial Times cited sources reporting that the Pentagon is pressuring Japan and Australia to clarify what role they would play if the U.S. and China went to war over the Taiwan Strait. This move has frustrated these two key American allies in the Indo-Pacific region.

It is reported that over the past few months, Kahl has been pushing this issue during meetings with defense officials from Japan and Australia. A U.S. defense official emphasized that the Pentagon's efforts "focus on preventing war and building strong deterrent forces." The newspaper reported last month that Kahl is also leading the review of the AUKUS agreement signed with Australia, which aims to enable Australia to obtain an attack nuclear submarine fleet as its "first pillar."

Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd emphasized that the U.S.-Australia alliance has endured 15 bipartisan presidents and 15 different Australian prime ministers from different parties. Previously, Australian Defence Industry Minister Conroy responded to reports that Kahl urged Australia to clarify its role if the U.S. and China went to war over the Taiwan situation, stating that Australia would not commit in advance to sending troops in any conflict.

Australian Prime Minister Albanese also rejected the Pentagon's request to increase defense spending from 2% of GDP to 3.5%, stating that the Labor government led by him would only invest the necessary funds for defense.

Rudd pointed out that former U.S. President Trump viewed unpredictability as one of his advantages as a leader, while other countries desire predictability. He said, "From China's perspective on its strategic future regarding Taiwan, unpredictability is not necessarily bad."

Rudd added that the Taiwan Strait issue currently occupies Beijing's entire military strategic focus, and if Taiwan falls, China's "capabilities and military strength will be more widely released." Rudd stated, "I believe this logic is being triggered in the U.S. and its allies."

When asked about reports of Kahl pressuring Australia and Japan and Australia's response, a U.S. State Department spokesperson said, "The U.S. has long-term alliances with Japan and Australia. We regularly consult with our allies on a range of regional and global issues."

Source: rfi

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1838094483805196/

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