The Canberra Times reports that Defence Minister Peter Dutton addressed the United States Studies Centre, warning of "ominous signs" stemming from a Chinese-Russian alliance, which means Australia and the US may have to step up their defence in the Indo-Pacific region.
This announcement comes right after the release of a report from the US Studies Centre that reveals Americans are less certain about the value of international partnerships.
USSC chief executive Simon Jackman has said "Australia has really no choice other than to take on more for itself."