Australian Submarine Plans

The United States, Britain, and Australia announced a new security partnership for the Indo-Pacific in a move hailed by regional allies but denounced by China as intensifying an arms race in the region. The U.S. and Britain will provide Australia with the technology and capability to deploy nuclear-powered submarines. It is a bold step by Australia, given its economy's dependence on China. The U.S. and its allies are looking for ways to push back against China's growing power and influence, particularly its military buildup, pressure on Taiwan, and deployments in the contested South China Sea. Australia will not be fielding nuclear weapons but using nuclear propulsion systems for the vessels to guard against threats. The U.S. plans to forge stronger ties with long-term allies Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and the Philippines and engage more with new partners like India and Vietnam.