"State Dinner Unites Biden, Australian PM, and AUKUS Pact Amidst Congressional Dysfunction"
President Biden is hosting Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for a state visit and state dinner in Washington, providing an opportunity to strengthen relations with an ally seen as crucial in countering China. The visit will focus on shared interests such as the joint contract with Britain to develop nuclear-powered attack submarines and expanding military presence in the Pacific islands. Discussions will also cover the Israel-Hamas conflict, artificial intelligence, clean energy, and climate change. The Biden administration's emphasis on countering China has brought the US and Australia into closer cooperation, despite differences on trade relations. The dysfunctional state of Congress and the legislative proposal for nuclear-powered submarines will also be addressed.