US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak revealed on Monday that Australia would buy nuclear-powered attack submarines from Washington. The move is aimed at modernizing Australia’s fleet and countering China’s military build-up, which has caused growing concern in the Indo-Pacific region.
The partnership between the three countries, abbreviated AUCUS, was announced in 2021 and gives Australia access to nuclear-powered submarines that are more stealthy and capable than conventionally powered vessels. Biden, Albanese and Sunak appeared together in San Diego, where the US president insisted the submarines were “nuclear-powered, not nuclear-armed,” likely in response to criticism of the deal by China.
Albanese called the agreement “the largest single investment in Australia’s defense capability in our entire history”, while Sunak called AUKUS “the most important multilateral defense partnership in generations”.
In a joint statement issued ahead of the formal announcement, the leaders emphasized their commitment to maintaining peace, stability and prosperity around the world, including in the Indo-Pacific region. He also highlighted his belief in protecting freedom, human rights, the rule of law and the independence of sovereign states, as well as the rules-based international order.
As part of the deal, the US will extend its port visits to Australia to provide greater familiarity with nuclear-powered technology before having such subs of its own. Biden met separately with Sunak and Albanese to coordinate strategy on a variety of issues, including Russia’s war in Ukraine and the global economy.
In California and Nevada on a three-day trip, Biden will discuss gun violence prevention at Monterey Park, where a mass shooting killed 11 people in January. He will also discuss his plans to lower prescription drug costs in Las Vegas, as well as engage in fundraising activities ahead of his potential re-election announcement next month.
frequently Asked question:
Q1: Why did Australia choose to buy nuclear-powered submarines?
Australia bought nuclear-powered submarines as a counter to China’s military build-up in the Indo-Pacific, raising concerns in neighboring countries.
Q2: What is the AUKUS partnership between the US, UK and Australia?
The AUKUS partnership enables Australia to access nuclear-powered submarines that are more stealthy and capable than conventionally powered vessels. The US will also increase its port visits to Australia to give it more familiarity with the technology before it has such subs.
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