The Australia-UK-US (AUKUS) alliance has emerged as a critical strategic partnership with significant implications for the Indo-Pacific region. Formed in 2021, AUKUS aims to bolster security and defence cooperation among its member countries, particularly in response to China’s growing influence in the region. Recently, South Korea announced its willingness to join the alliance to control the Chinese Aggression.
South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik said that the possibility was discussed during two days of meetings between South Korea and Australia’s defence and foreign ministers, also known as a 2+2 meeting.
What is AUKUS?
AUKUS is a trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The alliance focuses on enhancing defence capabilities, sharing advanced technologies, and maintaining a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific. AUKUS gained prominence for its commitment to developing Australia’s nuclear-powered submarines, a move that significantly enhances Australia’s naval capabilities.
Significance of AUKUS
AUKUS holds immense geopolitical significance, primarily as a response to China’s assertive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific. The alliance serves as a deterrent to potential aggression and seeks to maintain regional stability. By aligning their defence strategies and technologies, AUKUS members aim to counterbalance China’s military expansion and safeguard shared interests in the region.
The primary objective of this initiative is to support Australia in constructing nuclear-powered submarines to enhance “interoperability, commonality, and mutual benefit” while maintaining commitments to nuclear non-proliferation, security, and safety.
However, its nuclear-centric approach has sparked controversy, raising concerns among both allies and adversaries regarding the potential to ignite an arms race and weaken non-proliferation standards in the Indo-Pacific region.
North Korea and China have criticized the agreement, arguing that it could disrupt the strategic balance in the Asia-Pacific and escalate the arms race, thereby jeopardizing regional peace.
New Zealand, a member of the Anglosphere and a Five Eyes intelligence-sharing partner, has stated its intention to uphold its longstanding ban on nuclear-powered submarines entering its waters, consistent with its nuclear-free policy, and has indicated it would deny entry to Australian nuclear submarines if they were to hypothetically seek access.
ASEAN members such as Indonesia and Malaysia have also voiced similar concerns. Even Japan, a U.S. treaty ally, welcomed the initiatives in the Indo-Pacific but has refrained from explicitly mentioning the nuclear submarine aspect, suggesting unease with the nuclear dimension and its potential repercussions.
AUKUS Pillar II Partners
Pillar II of AUKUS focuses on cooperation in advanced military technologies, including artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, and hypersonic systems. Japan is also moving toward formal talks to become part of Pillar II’s technology development and sharing. However, the central role of nuclear technology in AUKUS has made signing on to Pillar II of the agreement a sensitive topic for the Japanese government.
New Zealand’s government has shown interest in joining Pillar II as well, although no commitments have been made.
Contributions of Japan and South Korea
Both Japan and South Korea possess advanced defence capabilities and technological expertise that can significantly contribute to AUKUS Pillar II. Japan, renowned for its technological innovation, could bring expertise in areas such as robotics, cybersecurity, and missile defence. South Korea, with its strong defence industry and technological prowess, could contribute expertise in areas like artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and aerospace technology.
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Potential Contributions
Japan and South Korea’s participation in AUKUS Pillar II could enhance the alliance’s technological edge and deterrence capabilities. Their involvement would not only strengthen AUKUS but also deepen security cooperation in the region.
By leveraging their technological capabilities, Japan and South Korea can play a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
AUKUS represents a strategic alignment aimed at addressing the evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific. The alliance’s expansion to include Japan and South Korea as Pillar II partners would further strengthen its capabilities and underscore the commitment of like-minded countries to regional security and stability.
