China denounces Aukus deal as 'destabilising'; Australia defends immigration policy

Britain's chief for the Aukus nuclear submarine partnership told a Washington DC thinktank that adversaries' criticism of the deal validates its strategic purpose. "The way in which you can judge whether or not it is doing the things that you want it to do is how much people who don't necessarily share our value systems are objecting to it," the official said, noting China claims the pact destabilises the region.

The British official countered that China's rapid expansion of nuclear-powered and nuclear-armed submarines demonstrates the Aukus boats are necessary for regional balance. Meanwhile, Australian Immigration Minister Tony Burke defended the government's immigration policy amid coalition criticism that migration numbers remain too high and exacerbate housing shortages. Burke said immigration must be part of addressing Australia's housing supply challenges, though acknowledged the numbers "need to be capped based on housing supply, infrastructure, and services."