The president has ordered officials to look into Aukus, which was signed by his predecessor Joe Biden and is intended to secure the Pacific against Chinese aggression.

The Pentagon has launched a review of the 2021 submarine deal with the UK and Australia

The move is likely to alarm Australia, which sees the submarines as critical to its defence as tensions grow over China’s military build-up.

It comes as Australia faces pressure from the White House to dramatically lift its military spending.

The deal is widely seen as a response to China's growing presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

The president has ordered officials to look into Aukus, which was signed by his predecessor Joe Biden and is intended to secure the Pacific against Chinese aggression.

The White House has put the landmark agreement between the US, UK and Australia under review.