Deputy prime minister Richard Marles has dismissed a US congressional report raising doubts about delivering nuclear submarines to Australia under Aukus.
Richard Marles rejected findings from a report by the US Congressional Research Service examining whether the United States should withhold nuclear submarines promised to Australia.
The report openly canvassed retaining US control of the submarines amid concerns about a potential conflict with China over Taiwan.
Asked about the report, first revealed by Guardian Australia, Marles said there would be “a whole lot of commentary” around Aukus.
He said Aukus defence ministers met in Washington in December and stressed the US administration remained committed to the deal.
Marles cited assurances from the US president that the agreement would proceed “full steam ahead”, including the transfer of Virginia-class submarines.
Separately, Marles was questioned about a Guardian investigation reporting Israeli forces had bulldozed part of a Gaza cemetery containing allied war graves.
