The creation of AUKUS as a reaction to China and BRICS
AUKUS countries see that their influence in the Indo-Pacific is falling as China's military and financial influence grows.
China is the main trading partner for most countries in the region. However, it is becoming more assertive both politically and militarily.
AUKUS is a security agreement between Australia, the UK and the US, signed in September 2021.
Goal: to “promote a free and open Indo-Pacific that is secure and stable”.
The first step: supporting Australia in getting nuclear-powered submarines.
It is the largest defense project in Australian history, expected to cost it up to US$246 billion between now and 2055.
Nuclear-powered attack submarines (capable of shooting missiles) are some of the most influential weapon systems. They can stay undetected and fire a missile from any location in the ocean, making them a tool for deterrence.
Deterrence is the idea that a threat of punishment will prevent aggression by other countries.
Nuclear-powered submarines do not necessarily carry nuclear weapons but are using nuclear reactor energy to move and sustain themselves.
Why is the Indo-Pacific important?
Size of economy. 4 out of the world’s 5 largest economies by GDP are located here: China, India, Japan and the US.
Volume of trade. The Strait of Malacca, between Malaysia and Indonesia, hosts over 25% of all global trade, as well as two-thirds of China’s trade by sea, including 60% of its oil supply.
China’s military pressure. The island of Taiwan, as well as multiple regions of contested territorial waters, are the areas of military tensions between China and its neighbours.
Geopolitical scale. The Indo-Pacific is home to around 5.9 billion people out of 8.2 billion globally. The region hosts four nuclear powers - China, India, North Korea and the US.
The pact sees China as a competitor and a threat. This drew criticism, describing AUKUS as a return to Cold War thinking, a breach of nuclear disarmament agreements and an escalation of the arms race.
AUKUS does not involve the transfer of nuclear weapons to Australia, only the technology for nuclear-powered submarine engines (nuclear propulsion). The United Nations confirmed that the partnership meets transparency standards.
Malaysia initially also expressed concerns of AUKUS triggering an arms race in the region, but softened its rhetoric after talks with Australia, now calling both AUKUS and China for de-escalation.
Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines immediately supported the agreement. Indonesia and Fiji also expressed support after consultations with Australia.
Many Indo-Pacific nations remained neutral, likely to avoid upsetting the balance in their relations between the US and China.
South Korea's neutrality was notable given its strong military alliance with the US and growing tensions with North Korea.
India reacted cautiously but supportively towards AUKUS.
Australia, India, Japan and the US are members of another security pact – the Quad.
The Quad was re-started in 2017 and, like AUKUS, advocates for a "free and open Indo-Pacific"