US, UK and Australia unveil AUKUS nuclear submarine plans
The leaders of the US, UK and Australia have unveiled details of their plan to create a new fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, aimed at countering China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Under the AUKUS deal, which is aimed at preserving a 'free and open' Indo Pacific, Australia will buy three American nuclear submarines.
Australia will also have the option to purchase two more of the nuclear submarines after the initial deal, which is slated for the early 2030s, United States President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Australian Premier Anthony Albanese said in a joint statement on Monday as they met in California.
While China only received glancing reference on Monday, the security agreement is part of an ongoing effort by the three nations to respond to Beijing's growing military might and increasingly assertive presence in the Asia Pacific.
It includes a commitment to cooperate on building artificial intelligence capabilities, hypersonic weapons and other advanced technologies.
China said the major naval deal 'hurts peace and stability'. China's UN mission also accused the Western allies of setting back nuclear non-proliferation efforts.
Under the AUKUS agreement, Australian navy sailors will be sent to United States and United Kingdom 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.
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