Signal to China: nuclear submarines for Australia

An agreement with the United Kingdom and the United States gives Australia technology to build nuclear-powered submarines. This is a sign to China, whose claim to power in the region is becoming more and more evident.

Nuclear powered submarines for Australia: This is not about nuclear weapons, but about submarines powered by a nuclear reactor. These are quieter than conventional boats and can operate continuously for longer. They are part of the AUKUS security pact – named after the English abbreviations of the participating countries – announced by the USA, Great Britain and Australia.

In terms of your own strategic interests

“Hand in hand for more security in the Pacific”, as the heads of government of the three participating countries put it: US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison.

At the same time, however, Australia’s prime minister downplayed the importance of the alliance: “It is not uncommon for nations to make decisions based on their own strategic interests and to expand their defense capacities,” said Morrison. “China is doing the same as other countries in our region do too.” In this respect, it should be seen as a necessity and not as exceptional.

A signal to China

China is doing the same: Morrison did mention the People’s Republic in front of the domestic press. The three heads of government had previously avoided this as much as possible in their joint declaration. Because of course the armament is a signal to Beijing.

The US and Australia are concerned about China’s increasing claim to power in the Indo-Pacific region. “The relatively friendly security environment that Australia has enjoyed in this region for many decades is behind us,” said Morrison. “We have entered a new age. With new challenges for Australia, for our partners and our friends throughout the region.”

Termination of the treaty with France

According to Morrison, the nuclear-powered submarines will be built in Adelaide. Thus Australia has to cancel a billion dollar contract with France, which should deliver twelve new submarines from 2030. The announcement sparked a heated discussion in Australia.

The Australian Greens leader Adam Bandt spoke of floating Chernobyls in Australia’s largest cities: “Tensions in our region will also increase at a time when Australia, as a middle power, should steer an independent course and do everything possible to de-escalate in the region “, he said.

Rejection from New Zealand

Unlike Great Britain, Australia is not a NATO member – but has repeatedly participated in military operations of the Western defense alliance, for example in Afghanistan and Iraq. Australia belongs to the Five Eyes partnership of the secret services, together with the USA, Canada, Great Britain and New Zealand.

And New Zealand’s head of government Jacinda Ardern has already clearly positioned itself to arm the partner country with nuclear-powered submarines. “It is clear that such ships are not allowed to operate in New Zealand territorial waters. All parties in our country agree on this,” said Ardern.