London: In a bid to bolster deterrence against China’s growing influence, the United States, Britain, and Australia are reportedly considering widening the scope of their Aukus security pact. According to a report by the Financial Times on Saturday, discussions are underway to include new members, with a particular emphasis on involving Japan.
Sources familiar with the matter revealed that Aukus defense ministers are poised to announce the initiation of talks regarding the “pillar two” of the pact. This phase entails collaborative efforts in the development of cutting-edge technologies including quantum computing, undersea capabilities, hypersonic systems, artificial intelligence, and cyber technology.
However, the focus remains solely on expanding the second pillar, with no considerations for enlarging the first pillar, which primarily involves supplying nuclear-powered attack submarines to Australia, as per the Financial Times.
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Unveiled by the trio in 2023, Aukus stands as a strategic response to China’s escalating influence in the Indo-Pacific region. Beijing has vehemently criticized the pact, labeling it as perilous and warning of potential regional arms escalation.
In a statement on Wednesday, US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell underscored the significance of the Aukus submarine project in deterring any aggressive moves by China, particularly concerning Taiwan—an island that Beijing claims as part of its territory.
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Against the backdrop of China’s unprecedented military expansion and territorial assertiveness, President Joe Biden has been actively seeking to fortify alliances with US allies in Asia. This effort notably includes Japan and the Philippines.
President Biden is scheduled to host Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Washington on Wednesday, followed by a trilateral summit involving Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday.
