Shadow Defence Minister Angus Taylor has raised serious concerns about the lack of a meeting between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and U.S. President Donald Trump following the announcement of a review into the AUKUS agreement. He’s simultaneously advocating for a significant increase in Australia’s defence spending.

The Pentagon’s confirmation of the AUKUS review, which includes plans for Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, has heightened anxieties. This review comes on the heels of a U.S. request for Australia to bolster its defence budget in response to what Washington calls a “real and potentially imminent” threat from China.

Taylor described the AUKUS review as “deeply concerning,” adding it to what he sees as a growing list of problems in the Australia-U.S. relationship. His statement underscores the increasing pressure on the Australian government to address these concerns swiftly and decisively.