Australia, US, UK sign nuclear transfer deal for AUKUS submarines
Australia said Monday it had signed a deal to allow the exchange of nuclear secrets and material with the United States and United Kingdom, a key step toward equipping its navy with nuclear-powered submarines.
This agreement formalizes the security protocols among the three nations for the exchange of sensitive nuclear materials and knowledge, as part of the 2021 AUKUS security pact.
AUKUS aims to develop an Australian fleet of nuclear-powered submarines and collaborate on advanced military technologies, positioning itself as a strategic response to China's growing military presence in the Pacific.
Richard Marles, Australia’s Defense Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, highlighted the significance of the agreement, stating it is a critical step toward Australia’s acquisition of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines for its Royal Australian Navy.
However, China has expressed concerns about AUKUS, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during a visit to Australia in April, warning that the pact poses serious nuclear proliferation risks and contradicts the South Pacific treaty that prohibits nuclear weapons in the region.
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