Part 5/8:
For instance, Australia has reaffirmed its commitment to its defense spending, which serves as a bargaining point with the US, but this has limited impact on trade tensions. Similarly, Australia has lifted bans on US beef, but without guarantees that biocurity standards will be upheld, raising concerns about health standards and sovereignty.
Furthermore, Australia’s decision to lift the US beef ban without getting assurances has been controversial, especially when considering the Senate's recent rejection of an inquiry into the matter. Critics see this as a sign of capitulation, a "fold" to US pressure under the guise of diplomacy.