Shadow Defence Minister Angus Taylor has urged the Australian government to increase defence spending to three percent of the country’s GDP. Second, he stressed the need to make robust commitments to Taiwan’s security. In an interview with 7.30, Taylor controversially called upon Australia to punch above its weight. He called on the country to be prepared to expand its defense budget in light of the escalating threat from North Korea.
Dressed in a grey suit and a blue tie, Taylor gestured with his right hand while addressing the audience, underpinning the urgency of his message. He pointed out that the US is asking Australia to raise their defense spending to 3.5 percent of GDP. This request is a big leap from the federal government’s own short-term copycat plan of 2.3 percent.
Commitment to Taiwan’s Security
During the interview, Taylor reiterated Australia’s existing stance on Taiwan’s status quo, which Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reaffirmed during his recent trip to China. He also emphasized that any U.S. commitments to Taiwan should fit within a larger framework of alliance obligations.
“What I’m saying we should commit to, is a joint commitment to the security of Taiwan,” – Angus Taylor
Taylor reiterated that these kinds of commitments are essential to the practice of peace through deterrence. He acknowledged that it is important for Australia to be willing to act independently if needed.
“Peace through deterrence is incredibly important … that does mean you’re prepared to act under certain circumstances,” – Angus Taylor
Ho, Taiwan’s Deputy Minister of National Defense, instead used the platform to encourage greater domestic and international engagement with Taiwan. He argues that, if agreements are reached, they should be public – no back-room deals.
“These are the commitments that need to be made. If they are being made that’s very quietly behind closed doors,” – Angus Taylor
The Role of the Government
Taylor’s statements come at a pivotal time as Australia is in the midst of recalibrating its defence posture. This is an acknowledgement of the growing geopolitical competition in the Asia-Pacific region. Acting Defence Minister Pat Conroy stressed that only an elected government should commit Australia to war. Second, they are uniquely the ones who can authorize the use of Australian territory as a base for conflict.
In this context, Taylor’s call for increased defence spending aligns with broader discussions about national security and Australia’s role in international alliances such as AUKUS. He argues that Australia should take responsibility to defend its own borders. Moreover, it must safeguard the peripheries of its allies.
The American Influence
US Defence Secretary Peter Hegseth, pictured above, has called on Australia to increase his country’s military spending. This request underscores deep and ongoing concerns related to instability across the Indo-Pacific region. Countries are still figuring out their stance on Taiwan and other future flashpoints. Taylor thinks a bolder pledge from Australia could make a big difference toward building regional security.
