Albanese hints US could still seek changes to Aukus agreement amid review

Speaking in Washington, the prime minister downplayed US comments about ‘ambiguity’ but conceded he knows that the Pentagon want some updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAnthony Albanese has indicated the United States could seek updates to the Aukus agreement a day after Donald Trump’s navy secretary spoke of his hopes to “clarify some of the ambiguity” in the nuclear submarine deal, amid an ongoing Pentagon review.The prime minister downplayed the comments from naval secretary John Phelan, telling media “don’t look for something that’s not there” and noting Trump’s strong support for the plan to even be accelerated. Following successful meetings with President Trump and senior US politicians in Washington DC, Albanese boasted of the substantial support for the agreement on Capitol Hill, and revealed he even presented Trump with a gift of a model submarine. Continue reading...