The foreign and defense chiefs from the United States and Australia have reaffirmed they will strengthen security cooperation amid China's growing assertiveness around Taiwan. The US also agreed to help Australia develop guided missiles by 2025.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Defence Minister Richard Marles in Brisbane, Australia, on Saturday.

Austin said during a news conference after the "two plus two" meeting that they shared a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region and will further advance their alliance.

This includes a US commitment to help Australia produce guided multiple-launch rocket systems by 2025. They are said to enhance precision for attacks.

The two countries also agreed on more frequent visits of US nuclear-powered submarines to the region.

They additionally confirmed advancing multilateral security arrangements, including joint exercises with Japan involving F-35 fighter jets.