President Joe Biden discussed national security, climate change and technology with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a meeting on Wednesday.

The United States and Australia are prepared to tackle the challenges we face by doing the hard work, the historic work.

In addition, the leaders expressed their unity against all acts of aggression, particularly those committed by Russia and Hamas.

There seemed to be a major difference of opinion on how to deal with China.

Mr Biden took a strong stance on possible conflict in the South China Sea in the White House Rose Garden alongside Mr Albanese. Ships belonging to the Philippines have been rammed and blocked by Chinese vessels.

During his speech, the US president said he wanted “to make it very clear” that American support for the Philippine military was “ironclad”.

Albanese was more reserved, saying he would “coordinate where possible, disagree where necessary, but always pursue our national interests”.

A military band played and senior US security and diplomatic leaders sat front and center, as both leaders spoke from side-by-side lecterns. The event exuded pomp and circumstance and illustrated the close alliance between the two countries.

After Hamas’ October 7 attack, the leaders promised to work together to find ways to stand with Israel.

A number of national security challenges, such as those affecting Israel and the Indo-Pacific region, are being addressed by Mr Biden’s request for $100 billion (£83 billion).

As part of their partnership, Mr Albanese praised Mr Biden for working closely with Australian leaders on climate change. In the 16 months since he became prime minister, this was his ninth meeting with Mr Biden.