India, July 13 -- As the United States seeks clarity from its allies over their role in a potential war over Taiwan, Australia has stated it will not commit its troops in advance.

On Saturday, a report by the Financial Times claimed that the Pentagon has pressured Japan and Australia to clarify their roles in case the US went to war with China over the Taiwan dispute.

In response, Australia has said that it will decide its role when the time comes. Speaking to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said that "the decision to commit Australian troops to a conflict will be made by the government of the day, not in advance but by the government of the day."

The minister's remarks about troops in the ...