Part 3/7:
Conversely, the United States remains somewhat absent in the dialogue. McGarrian pointed out that the US is currently only producing one Virginia-class nuclear submarine annually, which hampers the capacity to replace aging fleets swiftly. Additionally, the US is reviewing its stance on the Orcus deal amid internal political pressures—particularly from hardline factions within the Trump administration.
The review involves complex questions about U.S. commitments if China were to invade Taiwan. Would Australia support the US in such a conflict? McGarrian highlighted Prime Minister Albanese’s cautious stance: since the US has not openly committed to defending Taiwan, Australia feels justified in maintaining a degree of strategic independence for now.