AUKUS: Australia just staked its future on US alliance | Op-eds - Gulf News

The United States did not directly mention China in announcing its historic new security partnership with Australia and Britain last week, but it didn't have to. The defence deal is a clear escalation and indication that Washington views Beijing as an adversary. It also has thrust Australia into a central role in America's rivalry with China. After hinting at a more self-reliant defence posture for the past several years, Australia's government is now instead betting big on the future of its alliance with the United States with the new pact. Australia seems to be assuming that America will remain engaged…