Washington: United States, Britain and Australia said on Wednesday they will build security partnerships for the Indo-Pacific which will involve helping Australia get a nuclear-powered submarine, because China’s influence on the region grows.
Under the partnership, announced by President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison, the United States will provide Australia with technology and the ability to spread nuclear-powered submarines, senior US officials to reporters.
The three leaders described the agreement in the three-way virtual announcement of each of their capitals.
“We all recognize the necessity ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific for the long term,” said Biden.
Morrison said the submarine would be built in Adelaide in close cooperation with the United States and England.
Australia will not deploy nuclear weapons, he said.
“We will continue to fulfill all our nuclear non-proliferation obligations,” he said.
Johnson called it an important decision for Australia to obtain technology.
He said it would make the world safer.
“This will be one of the most complex and technically demanding projects in the world,” he said.
The USOfficials riding that step, who came as Washington and its allies looking for ways to retreat against China’s strength and influence, would not involve the supply of nuclear weapons to Australia.
They say submarines will not be deployed by atomic weapons, but will allow the Australian navy to operate more calmly, for a longer time, and provide prevention throughout the Indo-Pacific.
Officials said the partnership, which will also involve cooperation in the fields including artificial intelligence, quantum and cyber technology, “not intended for one country.” “This is a historic announcement.
This reflects the Biden administration determination to build a stronger partnership to maintain peace and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific region,” said one of the officials.
The partnership is likely to end Australia’s efforts to have the Naval Group of French shipmakers to build a new submarine fleet worth $ 40 billion to replace Collins submarines which are more than two decades.