CANBERRA -- Australia will fast-track its defense spending by 1 billion Australian dollars ($628.6 million), according to the annual federal budget revealed on Tuesday, amid heightened Chinese military assertiveness in the region and increased pressure from the Trump administration for the country to increase its defense outlays.
Defense
Australia fast-tracks defense spending to counter China pressure
Canberra's planned increase falls short of Trump demands for more spending
Two Australian Army High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems are delivered by a Royal Australian Air Force C-17A Globemaster II to Avalon airport in Victoria, Australia. (Australian Department of Defence)
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