The threat of punitive tariffs, critical minerals and the AUKUS partnership – not the future of Kevin Rudd’s ambassadorship – formed the basis of Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s first meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Australia’s argument to avoid Donald Trump’s tariffs and maintain the AUKUS pact was successfully delivered on the first full day of his administration in his top diplomat’s first foreign engagements.

Analysts have said the meeting is designed to signal that countering Beijing is a top priority for Mr Trump. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Rubio called China the "most potent, dangerous adversary" during his confirmation and is expected to work with India, Japan, and Australia to counter this.

After the Quad ministerial, Rubio had his first bilateral with Jaishankar, which lasted for more than an hour. India's Ambassador to the US, Vinay Kwatra, was also present in the meeting. Jaishankar also met National Security Advisor Mike Waltz on Tuesday.

The Quad ministerial meeting of Australia, India, Japan, and the US focused on countering China's influence and maintaining a free Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio from Florida became the first of President Donald Trump's cabinet nominees to be sworn into office on Tuesday, where he emphasized that U.S. foreign policy under Trump will put American needs first.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to have his first bilateral meeting with India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Washington. The meeting will occur after the QUAD ministerial at the State Department headquarters.

First meeting of Trump presidency for security group focused on Indo-Pacific voices opposition to altering status quo 'by force or coercion' Just hours after being sworn in as US secretary of state on Tuesday,