Australia’s Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy has reaffirmed that Canberra will not make any advance commitments to deploy troops in future conflicts, including a possible war between the U.S. and China over Taiwan. Conroy stressed that such decisions would be made only by the government of the day, preserving Australia’s sovereign right to assess circumstances at the time.

Canberra Rebuffs U.S. Pressure for Clarity

Conroy’s remarks came in response to reports that the Pentagon has pushed Australia and Japan to clarify their roles should hostilities erupt over Taiwan. U.S. officials, including Under-Secretary of Defence Elbridge Colby, have urged allies to step up defense commitments, aligning with President Donald Trump’s “America First” policy focused on deterrence and increased burden-sharing among partners.

Australia, however, insists it will not engage in hypothetical commitments. “The decision to commit Australian troops to a conflict will be made by the government of the day, not in advance,” Conroy told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Talisman Sabre Highlights Regional Readiness

Conroy’s comments coincided with the opening of the Talisman Sabre military exercises, Australia’s largest war games with the U.S., involving 40,000 troops from 19 nations including Japan, South Korea, India, Britain, France, and Canada. The drills span thousands of kilometers, rehearsing joint air, land, sea, and space operations aimed at improving regional deterrence.

Vice Admiral Justin Jones of the Australian Defence Force noted the exercises demonstrate allied readiness and the importance of securing northern Australia as a potential staging ground. U.S. Lieutenant General Joel Vowell described the drills as a key deterrence mechanism amid growing regional instability.

Strategic Caution Despite Closer Ties

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, speaking during a visit to China, reiterated Canberra’s desire to avoid any change to the status quo on Taiwan and expressed concern over China’s military expansion in the Pacific. Although Australia refuses foreign military bases, the U.S. is expanding its rotational presence, with American submarines to be stationed in Western Australia from 2027, potentially supporting U.S. operations in any Taiwan conflict.

While Australia strengthens its defense ties with the U.S., it remains cautious about being drawn into future conflicts without careful consideration.