Sydney: Australia announced its commitment to maintaining its current defense spending targets, despite pressure from US President Donald Trump to lessen reliance on Washington. The announcement comes amidst ongoing discussions about defense contributions among NATO allies, though Australia is not a member of NATO.

According to Anadolu Agency, Defense Minister Richard Marles emphasized Australia's right to determine its own defense priorities to address its military needs. Speaking at the NATO summit in the Netherlands, Marles highlighted that Australia's decisions are informed by a detailed assessment of its strategic landscape and defense requirements.

This stance may provoke a response from President Trump, who has warned of imposing tougher trade deals on allies who do not increase their defense spending. NATO members recently agreed to raise their defense spending to 5% of GDP, although Spain has resisted, prompting threats of punitive trade measures.

Australia plans to raise its defense spending from 2% to 2.3% of GDP by 2033-34. The country is also in negotiations to secure exemptions from US tariffs on imports, including a significant 50% tariff on steel and aluminum. Marles described the planned increase as the largest peacetime boost in Australian defense expenditure.

Despite Australia's attempts to facilitate direct discussions, Marles did not engage directly with President Trump or US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during the summit.