London: Australia has stepped up talks with the European Union on a defence pact that aims to counter threats and build up military power on both sides amid rising concerns about Russia and China.

Australian officials have been sent to Europe to discuss the terms of the partnership and clear the way for closer work on threats ranging from terrorism to drones, cyberattacks and direct military force.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen put the idea to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at a meeting in May, and the two leaders confirmed the plans when they met again at the G7 summit in Canada in June .

But the security and defence partnership will not be a formal alliance that commits either side to military action, say those involved in the discussions. Instead, the agreeme

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