The leaders of the US, UK and Australia have revealed details of the Aukus security pact, which includes providing Australia with nuclear-powered submarines. PM Rishi Sunak, US President Biden and Australian PM Anthony Albanese have officially unveiled the plans at a naval base in San Diego in California. The 2021 Aukus pact aims to counter what the three nations see as China’s threat in the Indo-Pacific region. Sunak has announced plans to boost defence spending to tackle the “epoch-defining challenge” posed by China. UK firm Rolls Royce will provide the reactors for the submarines, creating thousands of jobs
President Jo Biden’s major remarks on Aukus Security Pact:
It’s an unusual name, “AUKUS,” but it’s a powerful entity. Australia and the United Kingdom are two of America’s most stalwart and capable allies. Our common values and our shared vision for a more peaceful and prosperous future unite us all across the Atlantic and Pacific.
United States is a Pacific power, because we’re on the Pacific Ocean. In fact, our leadership in the Pacific has been a benefit to the entire world. The United States has safeguarded stability in the Indo-Pacific for decades. To the enormous benefits of nations throughout the region, from ASEAN to Pacific Islanders to the People’s Republic of China. In forging this new partnership, we’re showing again how democracies can deliver our own security and prosperity.
Today, we’re announcing the steps to carry out our first project under AUKUS: developing Australia’s conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarine capacity. These subs are powered — not nuclear-armed subs. They’re nuclear-powered, not nuclear-armed.
Australia is a proud non-nuclear weapons state and has committed to stay that way. These boats will not have any nuclear weapons of any kind on them. Australia will not produce the nuclear fuel needed for these submarines. We have set the highest standards with the IAEA for verification and transparency. And we will honor each of our countries’ international obligations.
AUKUS has one overriding objective: to enhance stability in the Indo-Pacific amid rapidly shifting global dynamics.
Australian Prime Minister Albanese:
The AUKUS agreement we confirm here in San Diego represents the biggest single investment in Australia’s defense capability. My government is determined to invest in our defense capability. But we’re also determined to promote security by investing in our relationships across our region.
From early in the next decade, Australia will take delivery of three U.S. Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines. This is the first time in 65 years and only the second time in history that the United States has shared its nuclear propulsion technology.
Australia’s proud record of leadership in the international nuclear non-proliferation regime will of course continue. Aukus agreement as the “biggest single investment in Australia’s defence capability” and said it will offer opportunities for Australian workers.
UK prime minister Sunak
UK is today announcing a significant uplift in our defense budget. We’re providing an extra £5 billion over the next two years that immediately increasing our defense budget to around 2.25 percent of GDP. And our highest priority is to continue providing military aid to Ukraine, because their security is our security.
But ultimately, the defense of our values depends, as it always has, on the quality of our relationships with others. The new AUKUS submarine, one of the most advanced nuclear-powered subs the world has ever known. Now, our partnership is significant because not just are we building the submarines together, they will also be truly interoperable.
