Alliance formation and leadership
During September 2021, prime ministers Boris Johnson of the United Kingdom and Scott Morrison of Australia, together with United States President Joe Biden, announced the creation of AUKUS. This alliance brings together the three nations to pursue security in the Indo-Pacific region and to deter Chinese expansion. The move drew protests from Beijing and caused a diplomatic rift with France, which had a major submarine contract with Canberra that was affected by the new arrangement.
Alliance Goal
The alliance serves as a unified front in response to China’s growing influence in the region. While the three partners did not label the alliance explicitly as a counterbalance, Beijing viewed it as a challenge to regional peace and stability and to international nonproliferation norms. A recent US Department of Defense assessment notes that China possesses one of the world’s largest fleets of military ships and is expanding its nuclear submarine capabilities. In addition to military considerations, there are concerns about China’s broader reach in commerce and global supply chains, including Africa where it has increased its role as a supplier of raw materials to power its vast industrial base.
United States attendance policy
President Joe Biden’s approach to China mirrors the general direction seen in the prior administration, with emphasis on countering Beijing’s actions. The AUKUS agreement emerged in a climate of diplomatic challenges, including public calls during visits in Asia for stronger alliances to push back against Chinese pressure. Washington has continued to scrutinize Beijing over human rights concerns, including issues in Hong Kong, alleged cyber activities, and trade practices perceived as coercive. On security matters, there is ongoing attention to deployments in the contested South China Sea and the broader strategic pressure surrounding Taiwan.
Australia’s role in the region
Since taking office in August 2018, Prime Minister Morrison has emphasized Australia’s close economic ties with China while strengthening security cooperation with the United States. AUKUS marks a significant shift, as some analysts describe it as a bold step toward aligning Canberra more closely with Washington. Australia’s relations with China have become more tense in recent years, a trend that accelerated after the global pandemic. Canberra has attributed part of China’s regional influence to Beijing, and the new alliance reflects Australia’s readiness to expand strategic partnerships to ensure stability in the Indo-Pacific.
The power of nuclear submarines
The pact includes plans to develop nuclear-powered submarines that would advance the Australian Navy’s capabilities. Australia is set to become one of the few nations to operate such vessels, with initial construction projected within the next decade. These submarines offer longer patrol durations and extended underwater endurance, reducing the need for frequent surfacing. The outcome is a stronger, more persistent presence in regional waters and a greater strategic footprint for Australia and its allies.
EU’s pending issue
The announcement of the alliance had immediate implications for the European Union. France, which had secured a major submarine contract with Australia, publicly criticized the move after the deal with the United States and Australia remained unresolved. The cancellation of the French submarine agreement, valued at tens of billions of euros, sparked discussions in Brussels about strategic autonomy and how the EU should engage in the Indo-Pacific. European leaders, including the head of European diplomacy, underscored the importance of regional stability and the continuing relevance of alliances in shaping the security landscape.