A former Australian defense force chief, retired admiral Chris Barrie, has voiced concerns over the reliability of the United States as an ally, urging the Australian government to reconsider its strategic partnership. Barrie, who spent four decades in the Royal Australian Navy and is now an honorary professor at the Australian National University, likened the current U.S. administration to the fall of Singapore in 1942, suggesting that America is no longer a trustworthy ally as it once was.

Barrie stated it’s time for Australia to reassess its priorities and carefully consider its defense needs in light of adopting a more independent posture. He expressed concern over the lack of guarantee for the delivery of nuclear-powered submarines as part of the AUKUS agreement with the U.S. and criticized the increasing cost and time overruns in the development of these submarines.

The call for a reevaluation highlights the strategic importance of Australia’s defense alliances and the need to consider alternative options.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/21/vandals-in-the-white-house-no-longer-reliable-allies-to-australia-former-defence-force-chief-says-ntwnfb