Australia Marks 70th Anniversary of Key US Military Alliance

SYDNEY - Australia and the United States have commemorated the 70th anniversary of the ANZUS defense accord. Analysts have said while the Australia, New Zealand and United States Security Treaty has offered some benefits, it has also drawn Australia into long conflicts.

The ANZUS Treaty was signed Sept. 1, 1951, and was designed to guarantee security in the Pacific region. The chief of the Australian defense force, General Angus Campbell, said in a statement Wednesday the accord was “built on a foundation of staunch support for liberal democracy and shared respect for the rule of law.” In a video message to mark the agreement’s 70th anniversary, U.S. President Joe Biden praised its longevity.