Australian diplomat Barry O’Farrell on Friday said that call to make AUKUS (Australia-UK-US) defence partnership was taken after deep consideration and Canberra informed their Indian counterparts about the choice .
“The Australian Prime Minister, our ministers for Foreign Affairs and Defence have spoken to their Indian counterparts to tell them about the choice . the choice has been taken after deep consideration,” said the Australian envoy to India on AUKUS agreement to equip Australia with nuclear-powered submarines.
This comes after US President Joe Biden and therefore the leaders of the opposite two nations launched the AUKUS pact on Wednesday that focuses on the Indo-Pacific. Experts believe it’s a veiled thanks to confront China’s growing assertiveness within the region.
The Australian envoy said this decision was taken after an assessment of the potential required to satisfy a tougher strategic environment. “Nuclear powered submarines will provide Australia with the proper capability,” he added.
Earlier on Thursday, China had stated that the newly formed AUKUS defence partnership threatens stability within the region and provokes an race .
Speaking at daily briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said the AUKUS treaty “seriously undermines regional peace and stability, intensifies the race , and harms international non-proliferation efforts.”
“This proves once more that these countries are using nuclear exports as a tool for geopolitical games,” the Chinese spokesperson was quoted as saying by Global Times.
In a joint statement, AUKUS nations had said Australia, the uk , and therefore the us are guided by enduring ideals and shared commitment to the international rules-based order.
“We resolve to deepen diplomatic, security, and defence cooperation within the Indo-Pacific region, including by working with partners, to satisfy the challenges of the twenty-first century.”
President Biden, during Wednesday’s announcement, maintained that the establishment of AUKUS is important because “we got to be ready to address both the present strategic environment within the region and the way it’s going to evolve.”