On Monday, an unprecedented military pact between the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia was announced, aimed at countering China’s increasing dominance in the Indo-Pacific region. The landmark deal, dubbed AUKUS, will see the US and UK sharing their nuclear technology with Australia, enabling the country to build and operate nuclear-powered attack submarines.
The announcement was made during a joint appearance by US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in San Diego, where they underscored the importance of the partnership for global security and stability.
The AUKUS deal marks a significant departure from Australia’s previous defense strategies. The concerns about China’s military expansion and assertiveness in the region have prompted various other countries to seek more advanced capabilities to safeguard their sovereignty and interests.
Under the agreement, the US and UK will provide support to Australia, which is considered a game-changer for its submarine fleet’s operational range and endurance. The move is also expected to enhance interoperability and intelligence-sharing among the three allies. The announcement was met with mixed reactions from the international community, with China condemning the deal as countries on the path of “danger”. Australia has ditched a deal with France and signed up for the AUKUS
The AUKUS partnership is expected to strengthen the US-led security architecture and provide a credible deterrent against China’s military expansionism. However, it also raises concerns about the proliferation of nuclear technology and the potential for escalating tensions and conflict in the region.
