Under the security framework of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, AUKUS, it is expected that an American-made nuclear submarine will be deployed to Australia for the first time in the 2030s.
The leaders of the three countries are scheduled to hold a meeting soon to exchange views.
AUKUS, a security framework formed by the three countries of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, agreed to deploy nuclear submarines to Australia for the first time in order to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, with China continuing to advance into the oceans. doing.
Regarding this, senior Biden administration officials in the United States have clarified that the deployment will be done in stages, and Australia will purchase up to five U.S. attack-type Virginia-class nuclear submarines in the early 2030s.
In addition, it is said that a new nuclear submarine incorporating technology from the United States and the United Kingdom will be built and deployed to the Australian Navy in the early 2040s.
Furthermore, prior to this, as early as 2027, submarines operated by both the United States and the United Kingdom will be deployed to Australia.
President Biden of the United States, Prime Minister Sunak of the United Kingdom, and Prime Minister Albany Zhi of Australia will hold a meeting at 5:30 am Japan time on the 14th in San Diego, Western California, USA, where the US Navy base is located, and prepare for deployment. We would like to discuss cooperation.
The idea of suppressing China, which is intensifying US military activities
The Biden administration in the United States has positioned dealing with China as a top security priority and has indicated a policy of strengthening cooperation with allies and others to increase deterrence.
"AUKUS" by three countries with UK and Australia is one of such efforts.
In September 2018, the three countries announced the establishment of this framework for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, and announced a policy of technical support for Australia's first nuclear submarine deployment.
The United States has not shared highly confidential nuclear propulsion technology with anyone other than the United Kingdom so far, emphasizing that it is an exceptional support.
A senior U.S. government official said the deployment of long-range, highly capable nuclear submarines to Australia would be a significant deterrent in the Indo-Pacific region.
In addition, the three countries have decided to jointly develop hypersonic weapons, which China is said to be leading in development, and their interception technology.
The United States wants to suppress China, which is stepping up its military activities, by strengthening its ties with its allies, the United Kingdom and Australia.
UK to make Indo-Pacific a 'permanent pillar of foreign policy'
Before the withdrawal from the European Union in 2020, the United Kingdom has adopted a foreign policy called "Global Britain" and has been strengthening its ties with regions other than the EU.
Of these, the Indo-Pacific region has been given particular importance, such as raising its position to a "permanent pillar of foreign policy" in the review of foreign and security policies announced on the 13th.
With China in mind, he said, "under the Chinese Communist Party, it poses a vital and systemic challenge to nearly every area of British policy and public life," and working with allies and partners. to protect its national security.
Two years ago, the state-of-the-art aircraft carrier "Queen Elizabeth" was deployed to the Indo-Pacific region, and it made a port call in Japan to conduct joint training with the Self-Defense Forces. and aircraft carriers to continue to demonstrate their presence in the Indo-Pacific region.
And as for AUKUS, it is a framework that further strengthens the relationship with Australia, one of the UK's closest partners, following the deployment of nuclear submarines, unmanned underwater vehicles, quantum technology, AI = artificial intelligence and It has revealed that it will jointly advance technological development in the cyber field and electronic warfare.
The presence of China, which is strengthening its maritime expansion, is behind the introduction of Australia
Behind Australia's introduction of nuclear submarines is the presence of China, which is strengthening its maritime advances in the Indo-Pacific region.
Last year, Prime Minister Albany Zi took office, saying, "Australia is facing a real challenge," and has shown the view that nuclear submarines are necessary for regional security.
Australia will cooperate with the United States and the United Kingdom, which share the values of the rule of law and democracy, through the security framework "AUKUS" to promote the strengthening of defense capabilities.
However, the introduction of nuclear submarines poses challenges.
In addition to the huge costs involved in construction, maintenance and management, there is no nuclear industry in Australia, and there are few people with specialized knowledge. I'm here.
In response, the Australian government emphasized that the introduction of nuclear submarines would create many jobs in the country, and explained that it would promote the development of the necessary human resources.
On the other hand, neighboring New Zealand has said that it cannot accept the entry of nuclear submarines into its territorial waters due to its non-nuclear policy. There are also voices of concern.
Expert ``Unnecessarily provoking China, even as a result of damaging Australia's national interests''
Sam Rogabeen of the Lowy Institute think tank, who is familiar with Australia's security policy, said that the introduction of nuclear submarines was based on China's strengthening of its military power, and that it was unnecessarily provoking China, and Australia's policy. It shows a cautious view on the future, as it may lead to the loss of national interests.
Mr. Rogabeen said, ``If we introduce nuclear submarines with superior speed, durability, and attack power, it is clear that Australia's defense capabilities will make a leap. It will show the world that we have chosen closer cooperation with the United States," he said, emphasizing the significance of the security framework "AUKUS" with the United States and others.
On the other hand, the Albanyzy administration has indicated that it intends to improve relations with China, which had cooled under the previous administration. He also pointed out that he was cautious about the future.
In addition, he emphasized that the government should be accountable to the people in the future, as there are voices in Japan questioning the government's policy over the enormous costs and operation methods associated with the introduction of nuclear submarines. .