According to the website of The New Zealand Herald on June 4th, citizens of New Zealand, the United States, and the United Kingdom can apply to join the Australian Armed Forces. Some non Australian citizens who meet the conditions will soon be able to apply to join the Australian Armed Forces, as the Australian government hopes to increase the number of conscripts. The Australian Defense Force will expand its recruitment scope, which is one of the contents of the Australian government's defense strategy announced in April. Starting from July this year, eligible New Zealand citizens will be able to apply to join the Australian Armed Forces. Permanent residents from the UK, the US, and Canada will be allowed to apply to join the Australian Armed Forces starting from January next year. Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Mars stated that this is a necessary measure at a time of changes in the defense landscape. Mars said, "The Australian government chose to strengthen its defense force because addressing national security challenges for the next 10 years or even longer is crucial. Non Australian citizens who wish to join the Australian military must reside in Australia for at least one year before submitting their application, and have not served in a foreign military in the past two years.". Applicants also need to meet the citizenship requirements. The Australian federal government budget announced last month stipulated an additional defense budget of AUD 5.7 billion (AUD 1, approximately USD 0.66) over the next four years, and an additional defense budget of AUD 50 billion over the next 10 years. Australian Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy attended the Defense Forum hosted by the Australian Institute for Strategic Policy Research on June 4th. Conroy pointed out at the Defense Forum that the Australian government has taken on the responsibility for current and future defense affairs by formulating a budget. Conroy said during the meeting, "For the government, the simple solution is to make some tinkering in the field of defense. However, this is wrong. Our government precisely believes that it is necessary to develop rational and powerful strategies to guide some large-scale and influential investments for the country." (Xinhua)