China Issues Strong Warning After Albanese’s Meeting with Trump

China has issued a stern warning to Australia following a high-profile meeting between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and former U.S. President Donald Trump, during which Trump expressed unwavering support for the AUKUS submarine pact. This agreement, valued at $368 billion, includes plans for the expedited delivery of three Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines to Australia. Trump described the trilateral defense agreement as a crucial measure to deter China’s increasing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.

During the meeting on October 22, 2025, Trump emphasized, “I think we’ll be just fine with China. China doesn’t want to do that,” referring to concerns over a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan. This marked a significant diplomatic moment for the Albanese government, as it was the first time Trump publicly endorsed the AUKUS agreement. Furthermore, he announced a critical minerals partnership aimed at reducing reliance on Chinese supply chains.

The renewed collaboration between the United States and Australia has drawn a sharp response from Beijing. Guo Jiakun, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, criticized the AUKUS submarine pact, warning that it could exacerbate regional tensions and trigger a new arms race. Guo stated, “China has made clear more than once its position on the so-called trilateral security partnership… We oppose bloc confrontation and anything that increases the risk of nuclear proliferation.”

China has repeatedly condemned AUKUS, claiming it undermines regional stability and violates global non-proliferation standards by sharing nuclear submarine technology with a non-nuclear-armed country. Guo reiterated Beijing’s stance on Taiwan, declaring that it is “an inalienable part of China’s territory,” and warned foreign powers against interference in what China considers an internal matter.

The minerals agreement, designed to enhance cooperation in the mining and processing of essential resources such as lithium, rare earths, and cobalt, is particularly significant as these materials are vital for defense manufacturing, electric vehicles, and renewable energy infrastructures. This partnership comes in response to China’s decision to withhold certain exports and processing technologies. The aim is to establish “secure, transparent and resilient” supply chains between Australia and the United States, amidst growing concerns regarding China’s dominance in the global critical mineral markets.

Trump’s robust endorsement of the AUKUS pact follows a challenging period for the initiative, which was under review by the Pentagon due to questions regarding its cost and strategic importance. His comments appear to reassure both Canberra and London of the alliance’s ongoing importance in U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy. When asked about the nuclear submarine deal, Trump affirmed, “They’re getting them,” indicating a commitment to the agreement that would see the U.S. begin selling Virginia-class nuclear submarines to Australia in the early 2030s.

In response to Trump’s statements, Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles described the president’s remarks as “a really important affirmation” of the United States’ commitment to the military pact, stressing that it serves the interests of both nations. “This is a program which is very much in the interests of the United States as it is in the interests of Australia,” he noted during a media briefing at South Australia’s Osborne naval shipyard.

As tensions rise in the Indo-Pacific, the implications of this meeting between Albanese and Trump could have lasting effects on regional security dynamics and international relations.