‘Resilient, Diverse’ Supply Chains ‘Essential,’ Agree US, Australia

The U.S. and Australia agree “resilient, diverse, and secure supply chains are essential” for economic prosperity and national security and are “committed to strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation in critical sectors,” they said in a joint statement at the conclusion of their “ministerial consultations” Thursday. Both countries also are committed “to creating supply chain policies that mitigate negative environmental efforts and are designed to result in supply chains that incorporate and facilitate climate action,” they said. The U.S. and Australia “confirmed their continued commitment to harnessing the full potential of data and the digital economy,” they said. They plan to continue working with international partners “to promote rules that support the free flow of international data, including personal information,” they said. Secretary of State Antony Blinken hosted the talks. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also participated, as did Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne and Defense Minister Peter Dutton.