US President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday signed a crucial agreement on critical minerals, aimed at strengthening supply chains and reducing reliance on China. The deal, which marks a key step in strategic cooperation between the two allies, was finalised during a meeting in Washington. The otherwise formal engagement saw a moment of unease when Trump took a swipe at Australia’s envoy to the US over past criticism, briefly shifting focus from the diplomatic agenda.

China loomed large at the first White House summit between Trump and Albanese, with the US president also backing a strategic nuclear-powered submarine deal with Australia to bolster security in the Indo-Pacific.

‘I Don’t Like You Either’

While Trump and Albanese greeted each other

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