Australia is set to invest A$12 billion ($8 billion) in establishing defense facilities in Western Australia as part of the AUKUS nuclear submarine pact with the U.S. and Britain, aimed at countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific. This investment will enhance shipbuilding capabilities and create around 10,000 jobs while supporting the construction of nuclear-powered submarines and other naval assets. The Australian government is committed to increasing defense spending to bolster national security, reflecting a strategic pivot in response to regional threats. The AUKUS deal, valued in the hundreds of billions, indicates strong bipartisan support in the U.S. for enhancing defense collaborations in the Indo-Pacific.