The "Okos" alliance led by America raises the fear of China... and its experts threaten a nuclear strike

Beijing denounced the new "Ocos" alliance to share military technology between the United States, Australia and Britain, on Thursday, as a threat to peace in the Indo-Pacific region.

Beijing, through its Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, criticized the tripartite agreement, describing the latter as nothing but a reflection of "the outdated Cold War mentality and a narrow-minded geopolitical outlook."

According to the American "Politico" website, Zhao's speech, including his reference to the three countries as a "league", represents China's recognition that Washington was able to rally allies in the Indo-Pacific region to counter Beijing's moves there.

Zhao hinted that Beijing could accuse Australia of violating its obligations under the "Rarotonga" treaty, which includes prohibiting the production, possession or acquisition of nuclear weapons.

For its part, the Chinese People's Global Times warned, quoting unnamed "military experts", that Australia's acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines would "likely make Australia a target for a nuclear strike if a nuclear war breaks out."

On Wednesday, Australia announced a new security partnership with the United States and Britain, under which it would acquire nuclear-powered submarines.

The agreement caused Canberra to cancel a huge deal it had concluded with Paris, worth about $31 billion, which provided for the purchase of conventional submarines from the latter.

The announcement came about a week before US President Joe Biden hosted the first meeting in person of the leaders of the "Quartet", which includes Australia, India and Japan, along with the United States, in an alliance that Washington sees as key to standing up to China.

Australian media suggested that China would view the agreement as an attempt to counter its regional influence, according to Reuters, especially in the South China Sea, which is witnessing many disputes, especially between Beijing and Washington.

According to the American network CNBC, the agreement comes amid escalating tensions in relations between Australia and China.

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