Australia to Increase Defence Budget by $53 Billion Over Next Decade

Australia's Defence Minister Richard Marles announced a $53 billion boost to the defense budget over the next ten years, aiming to increase military capabilities and reach 2.4% of GDP spending. This move is set against US calls for allies to spend 3.5%, highlighting international pressures. The public and political response questions whether the increase was influenced by U.S. expectations, with Marles denying external pressure.