Kim Beazley, the former Australian ambassador to the US, has proposed strengthening the AUKUS alliance by adding a new third pillar focused on critical minerals, aiming to secure US support for Australia's submarine deal.

Beazley highlighted that processing rare earths often requires government subsidies, and since China uses its dominance over these resources as a geopolitical tool, Australia must develop its own supply chains to reduce reliance.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized that the second pillar of AUKUS, centered on technological collaboration, is linked to securing critical mineral supplies, which are vital for countering China and supporting regional strategic interests.

The US is currently reviewing the nuclear submarine deal amid concerns over American production capacity, making Australia's resource contribution and support more strategically important.

Australia has abundant reserves of critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, copper, and vanadium, which are essential for military and low-emission technologies, and plans to establish a reserve to prevent market manipulation.

Beazley suggests Australia should leverage its critical minerals, including rare earths, cobalt, lithium, and vanadium, to supply the US military and lessen dependence on China, highlighting their strategic importance.

The proposed third pillar of AUKUS would involve Australia funding the processing of rare earths for US defense technology, addressing both geopolitical and economic considerations.

Prime Minister Albanese is scheduled to meet with former US President Donald Trump at the White House on October 20, where discussions are expected to include the status of the nuclear submarine deal and potential expansion of AUKUS.

Albanese expressed a positive outlook towards Trump, noting warm conversations and looking forward to the meeting, while opposition figures are calling for clear US commitments on AUKUS outcomes.