epaselect epa13207961 US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth looks on during a meeting with Austrailian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Marles during a meeting at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, USA, 02 September 2026. The USA and Australia announced a USD 580 million (EUR 500 million) commitment to Pacific Island nations to counter Chinese advances in the region. EPA/SHAWN THEW RECROP