Daily US Times: A new security pact in the Asia-Pacific will see the US and UK provide Australia with the technology and capability to deploy nuclear-powered submarines. American officials have said the decision wasn’t aimed at countering China. However experts say the Aukus, as the deal known, signals a paradigm shift in strategy and policy across the Asia-Pacific region.
The timing of the new partnership is particularly significant. It comes just a month after the US forces exit from Afghanistan, when doubts have been raised in multiple quarters about Washington’s commitment in the region.
Australia is increasingly concerned about China’s influence in the region and Britain too is eager to be more involved in the Asia-Pacific especially after its exit from the European Union (EU).
Guy Boekenstein, senior director of defence and national security at Australia’s Northern Territory government, described the pact ”a big deal” because this really shows that the US, UK and Australia are drawing a line in the sand to start and counter the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) aggressive moves in the Indo-Pacific”.
The partnership involves the sharing of technology and information in a number of areas including intelligence and quantum technology as well as the acquisition of cruise missiles.
But the helping Australia to build nuclear submarines are key. They are to be built in Adelaide in South Australia and will involve the UK and the US providing consultation on technology for their production.
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