Abbott`s enthusiasm for closer cooperation with China, particularly a free trade agreement, has helped convince Beijing that Australia is sincere in its says it welcomes China`s rise. In addition, China`s positive relationship with Australia (compared to ongoing disagreements with Japan and the Philippines) facilitates acceptance of the U.S.-Australia alliance. Media reports on the Obama and Abbott meetings have clearly recognized the importance of the United States to Australia`s strategic interests. This is easier to accept because they believe Canberra will not be drawn into an anti-Chinese policy. This morning, Prime Minister Tony Abbott and U.S. President Barack Obama announced a series of agreements between the United States and Australia. These include the US agreement on Australia`s post force. He explains the modalities of the enhanced military cooperation measures first announced during Obama`s visit to Australia in November 2011. A U.S. presence at the western base of the Royal Australian Navy was also widely debated at recent US congressional hearings. But so far, Australian officials have discussed with the public the destination of these discussions.

It is not necessary. As the 2014 Lowy Institute survey shows, support for the U.S. alliance remains remarkably high. By not having a public discussion about the future attitude of the U.S. Navy on Australia`s west coast, the government is giving way to criticism that the U.S. alliance should be eliminated. This year`s Defence White Paper provides an opportunity to bring to the public what public servants have been discussing for years in private. It is better to make a case of expertise now, rather than announce abrupt options to AUSMIN later this year or when the 2015 Defence White Paper is published. U.S. Air Force rotations across northern Australia are expected to increase, provided the force maintenance agreement paves the way for the development of the runways and ramp areas of RAAF Learmonth and Raaf Tindal. Australians should expect more usaf long-range bombers, transport aircraft and air-to-air refuelling to be deployed from these sites. A decision may have been made on the adequacy of the modernization of airfields on the Australian territory of Cocos Island, in order to also support P-8 maritime surveillance operations, as provided for in the 2012 Australian Defence Force Posture report.

These initiatives will strengthen the U.S. military`s ability to conduct operations from Australia, which the White House calls „the anchor of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.“