US, UK, and Australia Leaders Say Aukus Launch Will Help Indo-Pacific Peace and Stability

No Mention of China... Emphasizing "Fulfillment of Nuclear Non-Proliferation Obligations" in Response to Australia's Nuclear Submarine Acquisition Push

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The leaders of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia announced that the launch of the new Indo-Pacific security consultative body, 'AUKUS,' will "help maintain peace and stability in the region." Regarding Australia's acquisition of nuclear submarines, they emphasized that it is not for nuclear proliferation and that they will fulfill non-proliferation obligations, seemingly conscious of criticism about nuclear proliferation.

On the 15th (local time), U.S. President Joe Biden, U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison declared the launch of AUKUS through a joint statement. In the statement, the three leaders explained the reason for launching AUKUS, saying, "In accordance with the enduring ideals and shared commitments of a rules-based international order, we have agreed to deepen diplomatic, security, and defense cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, including cooperation with partner countries."

AUKUS is a cooperative body aimed at strengthening security cooperation and deepening information technology sharing in the Indo-Pacific, with the first initiative being support for Australia’s acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines. The leaders did not mention China separately in the joint statement and press conference. However, it is widely assessed that the agreement serves as a military pact to counterbalance China’s expanding influence, coinciding with the U.S.’s strengthening of its Indo-Pacific strategy and escalating conflicts between Australia and China. The three countries’ focus on military technology cooperation in cyber capabilities, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and undersea capabilities is also seen as a strategic move for military containment of China.

The three leaders referred to the deep defense ties built over decades among the three countries and expressed expectations to enhance joint capabilities and interoperability.

President Biden explained in a virtual joint press conference, "We recognize the long-term necessity of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific," adding, "We are taking another historic step to deepen and formalize cooperation among the three countries."

Prime Minister Johnson said, "This will provide new opportunities to strengthen the United Kingdom’s position at the cutting edge of science and technology," and "Most importantly, the three countries will cooperate much more closely."

Prime Minister Morrison also emphasized, "A new tripartite partnership has been established in the increasingly complex Indo-Pacific region, which will help respond to challenges."

Along with the launch of AUKUS, the three leaders stressed their commitment to maintaining global leadership in non-proliferation, seemingly aware of criticism that supporting Australia’s nuclear submarine acquisition aids nuclear proliferation. Prime Minister Morrison explained, "Australia is not seeking to acquire nuclear weapons or establish civilian nuclear capabilities," and "We continue to meet our nuclear non-proliferation obligations."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.