Britain and Australia have used their latest AUKMIN talks in London to project a united position on global security, with both governments linking instability in the Middle East and Ukraine to rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific.
The meeting on June 10 brought together UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Defence Secretary John Healey with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong. According to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the ministers said the global security environment had "continued to deteriorate" since their last meeting in July 2025.
Indo-Pacific and China focus
The Indo-Pacific dominated the discussion. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and raised concerns about actions in the South China Sea. They opposed any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion, a formulation directed at China's expanding maritime claims.
The ministers also voiced concern over human rights in Hong Kong and Xinjiang, and stressed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Australia and the UK said they would deepen defence cooperation in the region, including through joint exercises and increased maritime presence.
Middle East and global trade
On the Middle East, the joint statement condemned Hamas's October 7 attacks and called for the immediate release of all hostages. The ministers warned that the conflict threatens shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy and trade flows. They backed a two-state solution and expressed alarm at Israel's proposed registration law for UNRWA, saying it could undermine humanitarian operations in Gaza.
Ukraine and Russia-DPRK ties
On Ukraine, the UK and Australia condemned Russia's full-scale invasion and pledged continued military and economic support for Kyiv. They highlighted the growing supply of dual-use components from China that sustain Russia's war machine. They also warned that deepening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea has implications for both Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security.
Defence cooperation
The ministers also highlighted defence cooperation through AUKUS, regional deployments and maritime security capabilities, including aircraft, air patrol assets, autonomous systems and naval air-defence support.
What comes next
Both sides agreed to deepen diplomatic coordination on sanctions, cyber resilience, and critical mineral supply chains. The next AUKMIN meeting is expected in Australia in 2027.
Sources: UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office joint statement, June 10, 2026.
