What's happened
John Noh, Biden administration's nominee for Indo-Pacific security, confirmed a review of AUKUS, focusing on its alignment with Trump-era policies and submarine industrial capacity. He emphasized the need for allies to increase defense spending, especially Taiwan, amid ongoing concerns about China and regional stability. The review could lead to modifications in the alliance.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Realignment Under Review
The Biden administration's review of AUKUS, led by John Noh, signals a potential shift towards a more pragmatic and resource-focused approach. The emphasis on aligning the pact with Trump's 'America First' policy suggests a move to prioritize US industrial capacity and bilateral commitments over broader multilateral ambitions.
Implications for Regional Stability
Noh's comments on Taiwan's defense spending highlight a push for increased burden-sharing among allies, especially in the face of China's military assertiveness. The suggestion that Taiwan should spend upwards of 10% of its GDP on defense underscores a hardening stance, which could escalate tensions but also strengthen deterrence.
Political and Military Dynamics
The review's timing, amid bipartisan concerns in Congress, reflects internal debates about the US's capacity to sustain its Indo-Pacific commitments. The criticism from Senator Wicker about decisions affecting allies indicates a potential reevaluation of US commitments and resource allocation, possibly leading to more selective engagement.
Future Outlook
The review is expected to conclude this autumn, with possible modifications to Pillar I of AUKUS. These could include adjustments to submarine procurement and technology sharing, aiming to make the alliance more sustainable amid industry constraints. The outcome will shape US and allied strategies in the Indo-Pacific for years to come.
What the papers say
The Japan Times reports that John Noh confirmed the review of AUKUS, emphasizing a focus on submarine industrial capacity and alignment with Trump's policies. South China Morning Post highlights Noh's call for increased Taiwanese defense spending and potential modifications to Pillar I, amid concerns about China's military rise and US resource limitations. Bloomberg notes that Noh's comments are a rare insight into the ongoing review, which was initiated in July 2025. The contrasting perspectives reveal a tension between strategic ambitions and practical constraints, with some critics worried about the impact on regional alliances and stability. Overall, the sources collectively suggest that the US is reassessing its Indo-Pacific commitments, with a focus on sustainability and burden-sharing among allies, especially in the context of China’s growing influence.
How we got here
AUKUS, a trilateral security pact between the US, UK, and Australia, was signed in 2021 to enhance military cooperation and counter China's naval expansion. It includes plans for Australia to acquire Virginia-class submarines and develop nuclear-powered submarines with the UK and US. The US's sale of submarines raised concerns about industrial capacity and alliance sustainability, prompting a review initiated in July 2025.
Go deeper
Common question
-
What Does the AUKUS Review Mean for US-Asia Security?
The Biden administration has announced a review of the AUKUS security pact, signaling potential shifts in US strategy in the Indo-Pacific. This move raises questions about how alliances like AUKUS might evolve, what it means for regional stability, and how countries like Taiwan are affected. Below, we explore the key implications of this review and what it could mean for the future of US-Asia relations.
More on these topics
-
AUKUS is a trilateral security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, announced on 15 September 2021 for the Indo-Pacific region. Under the pact, the US and the UK will help Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines.
-
Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. is an American politician who is the 46th and current president of the United States. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as the 47th vice president from 2009 to 2017 and represented Delaware in the United States Senate
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
-
The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.