Minerals and nuclear submarines are the focus of today’s meeting between Trump and the Prime Minister of Australia news

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will meet US President Donald Trump on Monday in Washington, amid expectations that the meeting will focus on meeting Washington’s needs for precious metals and Canberra’s acquisition of nuclear submarines from the United States.

Albanese is set to promote his country’s abundant vital minerals as a way to loosen China’s grip on global supplies.

Australia has large reserves of lithium, cobalt, manganese and even rare earths that are used in vital products, such as semiconductors, military equipment, electric vehicles and windmills.

Currently, China controls this market, and is therefore accused of exploiting its position to pressure its trading partners, which raises concerns in the United States.

For its part, Canberra fears Beijing’s growing influence in the Pacific, and seeks to present itself to Washington as an important ally.

The Australian Prime Minister expected his meeting with Trump to be “positive and constructive.”

Last April, Albanese revealed a plan to create a strategic reserve of vital minerals for Australia’s “key” partners such as the United States, with the aim of contributing to reducing China’s dominance over global vital minerals production.

Australian Economy Minister Jim Chalmers confirmed in Washington last Friday that his country “has a lot to offer” in this field.

Military aspects

On the other hand, Canberra is seeking Donald Trump’s support for the “OCOS” agreement concluded in 2021 with Washington and London, which stipulates that its naval forces will be equipped with at least three American Virginia-class submarines within 15 years.”

The Australian government is seeking to obtain the technology necessary to build its own ships in the future.

Last June, Trump requested a review of the agreement to ensure that it was consistent with his “America First” policy.

Nuclear-powered ships form the core of Australia’s strategy to improve its capabilities to carry out long-range strikes in the Pacific Ocean.

It is expected that the issue of “Ocus” will be on the agenda today, along with customs duties, after the United States imposed additional duties on Australia of 10% on its goods.

Justin Pacey, from the Australian Institute for Strategic Policy, said: “China is likely to be the focus of discussions, although it is rarely mentioned publicly. Oaks, minerals, cyber and biotechnology are priority topics, and they are all linked to China.”