US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison concluded a partnership agreement in the field of defense and security. This is reported by RIA Novosti, referring to a joint statement of the leaders of three countries.
Alliance called Auukus (Australia, United Kingdom, USA). His goal is to “protect and defend common interests in the Indo-Pacific region.”
What did the parties agree?
In the framework of the agreement, three countries will simplify the exchange of information and technological innovations in the field of artificial intelligence, cybernetic and underwater systems. Also, the parties intend to create opportunities for strikes from large distances. In addition, the parties plan to discuss the topic of nuclear safety and countering China.
Representatives of the White House during a briefing also clarified that the goal of the alliance is “in general to bring Europe, in particular the UK, to our efforts in the strategic sphere and will provide a deeper operational compatibility between the Navy of the three countries.”
Submarines
Among other things, the contract involves the transfer of Australia to the construction of atomic submarines. At the same time, the Australian authorities assured that the country is still committed to fulfilling all its obligations as a state that does not possess nuclear weapons. The development of submarines with nuclear power plants “will become a joint initiation of three countries with focus on operational compatibility, community and mutual benefit.” The partnership involves the creation of atomic submarines for the Navy Australia for 18 months.
Immediately after the conclusion of the Agreement, the head of the Australian Government Scott Morrison stated that the country comes out of the submarine agreement with the French Naval Group. At the same time, he stressed that France remains an important partner for Australia in the Pacific.
The contract suggests that within the framework of the Alliance Australia will receive at least eight submarines. Three countries will immediately concentrate on the definition of the optimal path for their delivery. Also Canberra will receive access to American missile technologies, which will speed up the creation of the National Military Industry and the Production of Managed Weapons, “reports TASS.
China Reaction
The representative of the Chinese Embassy in Washington Liu Pengui said that countries should not create exceptional blocks, the purpose of which is to damage to the third states. He called on the countries of Auukus to get rid of thinking and ideological prejudices of the Cold War.
In turn, the Australian Prime Minister Morrison called on Beijing to a new security dialogue in the Indo-Pacific region and sent the corresponding open invitation to the Chairman of the PRC Si Jinping. Also, he said, he discussed the formation of a new partnership with the Prime Minister of Narendre Moi, the Prime Minister of Japan Esihide Suga and the head of the New Zealand government Jassinda Ardern.