A top defence expert is warning the White House will be concerned by comments made by the Prime Minister, talking up Australia's independence. Anthony Albanese made the comments while paying tribute to his predecessor.

Canberra

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has paid tribute to former Prime Minister John Curtin, noting his role in establishing Australia's alliance with the United States and his decision to prioritize Australia's interests during World War II. Albanese highlighted the importance of Australia's independent approach to foreign policy, stating that the nation is not bound by its past and will act according to its own strategic environment.

The remarks come as Australia faces pressure from the United States to increase defence spending, and as the Prime Minister prepares for diplomatic engagements with regional partners, including a visit to China. Albanese underscored the need to maintain close ties with both Beijing and Pacific neighbours, reflecting the government's focus on balancing relationships in a changing geopolitical landscape.

Albanese comments could anger Trump; experts warn

John Curtin is known as Australia's wartime Prime Minister, leading the country through much of World War II. But 80 years since his death, he's also being honoured as the founding father of our alliance with the United States. A pillar of our foreign policy. Our most important defence and security partnership. But that's not the only part of his legacy that's drawn the Prime Minister's praise. John Curtin made history when he returned our troops to Australia against the will of the US and Britain. Curtin restored in Labor what he revived in Australia. The confidence and determination to think and act for ourselves. A pointed message spruiking our independence. We are links in a long chain. We are not shackled to our past. At a time when Australia is under pressure from the US to boost defence spending. That's not going to go down well with the Trump administration, who is looking for its allies to be there for them. Just as the PM is still yet to sit down with President Trump. It's embarrassing he hasn't had a meeting yet. He needs to make it a moral priority. The Prime Minister is making it clear Australia's fate will be decided based on our strategic environment. And considering China's current aggression in our region, keeping close ties with Beijing and our Pacific neighbours is a top priority. The PM has attended the footy with his Fijian counterpart today. He travels to China next week. Lucy Gray, 10 News.

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