Japan and Australia have been asked by Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby to detail their commitments in the case of a U.S. war with China over Taiwan.

Australia will not commit troops in advance to any conflict, Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said on Sunday, responding to a report that the Pentagon has pressed its ally to clarify what role it would play if the U.

US' policy of ambiguity towards Taiwan may have worked so far, but with the world order shifting and China sending ominous signals, is US using Taiwan as a pawn against China?

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Canberra does not support any one-sided move on Taiwan as Washington calls for clarity on Australia’s stance - Anadolu Ajansı

Colby has concluded Australia is not properly financing AUKUS because it lacks a defence budget that meets the submarine program consistent with expanding other defence resources. This is a lethal conclusion embraced by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has called for Australia to lift spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP.

After this masthead confirmed the Pentagon wants the question answered, the Prime Minister reiterated the submarine pact was for “peace and security in our region”.

Sky News host Peta Credlin has warned Prime Minister Anthony Albanese his "cagey" stance on Taiwan risks placing further strain on Australia's alliance with the United States.

The Albanese government is facing a push by the United States for a ‘broad ranging and open ended’ commitment to defend Taiwan against any Chinese aggression.