Below is an excellent summing up of the 2 day Australia-US Ministerial (AUSMIN) talks (ending July 28, 2020) by Asia-Pacific Defence Reporter (APDR)
"AUSMIN Talks Conclude With Australia Saying It Charts Its Own Course"
"The annual AUSMIN talks between the United States and Australia wrapped up on [July 28, 2020] with the two allies reaffirming their close ties but with Australia saying it goes its own way when it comes to dealing with China, which is a major trade partner for Australia. Australia’s Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Defence Minister Linda Reynolds flew to the US to meet with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defence Mark Esper. The talks focused on growing tensions with China, conducting further exercises in the South China Sea and the two sides discussed a US-funded military fuel reserve scheduled to be built in Darwin."
Australia’s Foreign Minister Marise Payne [in a special "flag camouflage" uniform ] and Mike Pompeo. (PHOTO: Pool handout)
"China was the main focus of the talks and both parties criticised China for its recent crackdown on Hong Kong and both sides agreed to work to counter state-backed disinformation campaigns. The Australian side however, pushed back against US efforts to force Australia to conduct assertive freedom-of-navigation exercises [FONOPS Pete link] in the South China Sea. Australia’s Reynolds told reporters such exercises were “subject of discussion” but that “our approach remains consistent, we will continue to transit through the region in accordance with international law”. Payne went a step further and said while Australia had much in common with the US, “we make our decisions, our own judgements in the Australian national interest and about upholding our security, our prosperity and our values.” Australia is set to host the annual AUSMIN talks in 2021...."
See WHOLE APDR Article which includes "AUSMIN 2020 Global Health Security Statement".