Australia talks about defence.

It is Monday, June 1, 2026, at 9:16 am.

In short:

Australia's Defence Minister says the US may give Australia up to five submarines.

The minister said Australia plans to buy three old US submarines.

What's next?

The government is confident it can get new submarines later.

The US may give Australia up to five submarines, but the government is happy with three for now.

Australia will buy three old US submarines instead of one new and two old ones.

Some people do not like this plan and think it has big problems.

Australia will buy old US submarines.

Some people ask why the plan changed and why Australia is not buying more submarines.

The US, UK, and Australia will make buying submarines easier.

The minister said it will be three submarines for now.

The US must agree to sell the submarines to Australia.

Some people think this plan will make Australia's submarines weaker.

The minister does not think so.

The old submarines will be fixed and will last a long time.

They can be used until Australia builds its own new submarines.

No senior Chinese leaders are at a conference.

The minister talked at a conference in Singapore.

China did not send senior leaders to the conference.

Some people think China did not want to answer questions.

People attended the conference.

The minister would have liked to meet the Chinese minister.

China knows what other countries think about its actions.

The minister answered a question about Australia and China working together.

Australia wants to help the Pacific region develop.

But Australia is also worried about China's influence in the Pacific.

Australia wants to be the Pacific's partner of choice.

Australia welcomes help from other countries for the Pacific.

Australia focuses on working with Pacific countries.

The new prime minister of Solomon Islands will visit Australia.

The defence minister talked to the ABC before the visit.

Australia may make new agreements with Solomon Islands.

The minister is happy about the new prime minister.

The minister did not say if Australia wants the Solomon Islands to share its agreement with China.

The minister did not say if Australia agreed to a new pact with Vanuatu.

Australia will announce news when it is ready.

It is Monday, June 1, 2026, at 9:16 am.

It is Monday, June 1, 2026, at 9:43 am.

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