Expansion Talks for AUKUS Security Pact: A Focus on Deterrence Against China

Initiation of Talks: The U.S., Britain, and Australia are set to begin discussions on expanding their AUKUS security pact to include new members, with a specific push from Washington for Japan's involvement.
Focus Area: The talks will center on "Pillar Two" of the AUKUS agreement, emphasizing the joint development of advanced technologies such as quantum computing, undersea capabilities, hypersonics, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
Exclusion of Nuclear Submarines: The expansion will not cover the pact's first pillar, which deals with delivering nuclear-powered submarines to Australia.

Counter to China's Influence: This move is part of broader efforts to counteract China’s growing military and territorial assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.
Regional Concerns: China has criticized the AUKUS pact as a potential trigger for a regional arms race.

U.S.-Japan Collaboration: The U.S. Ambassador in Tokyo has indicated that Japan is poised to become the first additional partner in the pact's second pillar.
Awaited Announcements: Official announcements regarding Japan’s participation are expected, with discussions possibly occurring during a meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

Australia's Caution: Australia expresses caution about initiating new projects under AUKUS without further progress on nuclear submarine provisions.
Japan's Readiness: The inclusion of Japan faces hurdles, including the need for enhanced cyber defenses and stricter secrecy measures.

Global Interest: Both Australian and British defense officials express interest in involving more allies, pending joint agreement.
U.S. Encouragement: The U.S. urges Japan to bolster intellectual property protection and official secrecy policies as prerequisites for involvement.

Published in : The Hindu

Date appeared in newspaper : 08 April 2024

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