What's happened
The US is reviewing the Aukus pact, which involves Australia, the UK, and the US, amid concerns over its future. While some aspects may be streamlined, officials suggest the core agreement remains intact, with bipartisan support and Australia's significant financial commitments. Japan's interest in joining Pillar Two is also noted.
What's behind the headline?
The US review of Aukus signals a strategic recalibration rather than abandonment. The reassurances from US officials, including Marco Rubio, indicate that the core elements—particularly Australia's nuclear submarine program—will persist. The focus will likely shift toward tighter safeguards on technology transfer and cost-sharing, especially given US submarine production constraints. The review may also streamline Pillar 2, which involves advanced tech collaboration, but this is unlikely to diminish the alliance's overall strategic value.
The potential inclusion of Japan in Pillar 2 reflects a broader regional effort to enhance interoperability and technological cooperation against China's growing influence. Japan's advanced capabilities and shared democratic values make it a logical partner, though US concerns about sharing sensitive tech remain.
The political context is crucial: bipartisan support in the US underscores the alliance's importance, despite internal debates about technology sharing and strategic priorities. Australia's substantial financial commitments, including an A$12 billion defense hub, reinforce its strategic role.
Overall, Aukus is set to evolve with a focus on safeguarding US interests and technological security, rather than a fundamental shift away from its original purpose. The alliance's strategic logic in deterring regional threats will ensure its continuation, albeit with adjustments to address US domestic industrial constraints and regional dynamics.
What the papers say
Bloomberg reports that the US is reviewing Aukus but intends to reinforce the pact rather than abandon it, emphasizing safeguards and strategic alignment. The South China Morning Post highlights US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's assurances that Aukus will not be terminated, suggesting a recalibration rather than cancellation, with bipartisan support in Washington. Additionally, the same source notes Australia's significant financial investment in the alliance and the possibility of streamlining Pillar 2 projects.
Meanwhile, the South China Morning Post also discusses Japan's interest in joining Pillar 2, focusing on advanced technology projects like anti-submarine warfare and autonomous air platforms. Bloomberg confirms Japan's expressed interest in these projects, which could enhance interoperability and reduce development costs. The Japan Times reports that Japan is interested in deepening participation if invited, citing a recent US State Department report.
Contrasting opinions include concerns about US sharing sensitive tech with allies, especially given submarine construction constraints, and skepticism about Japan's potential role as a counterweight to the Quad. However, the overall narrative suggests that Aukus remains a key strategic asset, with adjustments to ensure its longevity and effectiveness.
How we got here
Aukus was launched in 2021 as a trilateral security pact aimed at countering China's maritime expansion in the Indo-Pacific. It involves Australia acquiring nuclear submarines and sharing advanced technology with the US and UK. The US launched a review in June, prompted by the Biden administration's focus on recalibrating alliances and ensuring technology safeguards, amid bipartisan support for the pact's strategic importance.
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More on these topics
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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.
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Japan is an island country of East Asia in the northwest Pacific Ocean. It borders the Sea of Japan to the west and extends from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south.
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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.
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Australia, officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands.