In a surprising turn of events, the AUKUS triad of Australia, Britain, and the United States is reportedly expanding its horizons, contemplating new partnerships with Canada, Japan, and New Zealand for their defense tech ventures. The trio, already in the midst of orchestrating nuclear-powered submarines for Australia, is now looking to broaden their collaborative efforts beyond the realm of submarines. This potential expansion involves a new focus on AUKUS “Pillar Two”—a segment of their agreement that steers clear of nuclear propulsion and instead zeroes in on other advanced military technologies.
The move comes amid mounting apprehensions over China’s expanding naval presence, with the AUKUS nations aiming to fortify their deterrent capabilities in the Indo-Pacific. Leaders from the existing AUKUS partners have hinted that Canada, New Zealand, and possibly Japan could play pivotal roles in advancing these technological frontiers. Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair’s recent visit to Tokyo hinted at Canada’s interest in joining these high-tech projects, although specifics remain under wraps. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters has been cautious, underscoring his country’s historical stance on nuclear-free policies while advocating for a thorough and transparent discourse with the public.
The idea of including additional nations in AUKUS’s technological tapestry reflects an evolving strategy to enhance collective security in a region of increasing geopolitical tension. As the trio of Australia, Britain, and the United States seeks to solidify their alliance, the incorporation of new partners like Canada and New Zealand—each with their own strategic and economic considerations—will undoubtedly shape the future dynamics of AUKUS’s ambitious defense objectives.
(Source: Reuters | Nikkei Asia | Bloomberg)
