Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States are teaming up in a “next-generation defence partnership” deemed AUKUS, as tensions between western nations and China heat up
The deal will see the three countries share secret nuclear technology and also assist Australia as it switches to a nuclear-powered submarine fleet.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison says “our world is becoming more complex, especially in the Indo-Pacific”
Morrison says his country is opening up a new friendship in its relations with the US and Britain, as he secures a brand new nuclear submarine fleet
This follows Morrison holding a National Security Committee of Cabinet in Canberra on Wednesday.
Australia will use both US and British technology to replace its existing Collins class fleet, as the international strategic environment heats up.
The alliance deal will also see an increased presence of American nuclear subs in the region, with a focus on aligning technology and regional challenges.
The working group will ensure that the countries can share information regarding long-range strike capabilities, artificial intelligence and underwater systems… in an attempt to counteract the increasing dominance of China.
Biden says it’s time to face the threats of the twenty-first century and has faith that the AUKUS alliance will allow this.
Allied naval presence is expected to increase dramatically… particularly throughout the hotly contested South China Sea.
It comes as Australia’s Defence Minister Peter Dutton and Foreign Minister Marise Payne touch down in Washington for a series of talks over the next two days.
Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson says this project will set the standard for global relations moving forward, being the most complex partnership the world has ever seen.