US and Australia strengthen alliance with rare earths and defense agreements

Australia and the US have signed a rare earths deal involving $1 billion in investments over six months, aiming to expand processing capacity outside China and strengthen bilateral cooperation in critical minerals, alongside reaffirming the Aukus defense pact. The agreement includes joint ventures, US projects in Australia, and Australian initiatives, with steps to accelerate permitting and address pricing issues. The White House visit also covered broader US-Australia relations, defense, and trade discussions.