US, UK, Australia form Aukus alliance to counter China in Indo-Pacific
Under this pact, Australia will receive at least three nuclear-powered submarines from the US, with the UK providing cutting-edge technology for the fleet. The US, UK, and Australia have unveiled a new security alliance named Aukus, aimed at countering China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region. The alliance will see Australia receive at least three nuclear-powered submarines from the US, with the UK providing cutting-edge technology for the fleet.
Aukus Deal Aims to Counter China’s Influence in the Indo-Pacific Region:
The Aukus pact aims to bolster peace and stability in the region, according to US President Joe Biden, who stressed that the submarines would be nuclear-powered but not nuclear-armed. Speaking alongside the UK and Australian prime ministers, Rishi Sunak and Anthony Albanese, in San Diego, California, Biden said that all three countries were committed to ensuring that the Indo-Pacific region remains free and open.
China Criticizes the Aukus Pact, Accuses Western Allies of Setting Back Nuclear Non-Proliferation Efforts
However, Beijing has strongly criticized the significant naval deal, accusing the three nations of “walking further and further down the path of error and danger.” China’s UN mission had earlier accused the Western allies of setting back nuclear non-proliferation efforts. Analysts say the Aukus pact risks creating an arms race in the region.
Australia to Receive Its First Nuclear-Powered Submarines:
For Australia, the Aukus deal represents a major upgrade to the US ally’s military capabilities. Australia becomes just the second after the UK to receive Washington’s elite nuclear propulsion technology. The submarines will be able to operate further and faster than the country’s existing diesel-engine fleet, and Australia will also be able to carry out long-range strikes against enemies for the first time.
New Fleet to Be Built Using Cutting-Edge Technology:
Under the Aukus pact, Australian navy sailors will be sent to US and UK submarine bases from this year to learn how to use the nuclear-powered submarines. From 2027, the US and UK will also base a small number of nuclear submarines in Perth, Western Australia, before Canberra will buy three US-model Virginia-class submarines in the early 2030s – with options to purchase two more. After that, the plan is to design and build an entirely new nuclear-powered submarine for the UK and Australian navies – a model that is being called SSN-AUKUS. This attack craft will be built in Britain and Australia to a British design but will use technology from all three countries.
Political Fallout of the Aukus Pact:
The Aukus pact has not been without its political fallout. In 2021, Australia scrapped a multi-million dollar diesel-powered submarine agreement with France in favor of the trilateral agreement – causing a political rift with Paris. Australia also faces a delicate diplomatic situation with China – its largest trading partner. Analysts say the question will be whether it can continue to strengthen its military ties with the US while fostering commercial ties with Beijing.
