Damaging China's Influence In Pacific, US And UK Help Australia Have Nuclear Submarines

Illustration of the US nuclear attack submarine USS Memphis (SSN-691). (Wikimedia Commons/US Navy/Paul Farley)

JAKARTA - The United States, Britain and Australia said on Wednesday they would build a security partnership for the Indo-Pacific, helping Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarines, amid China's rapidly growing influence in the region.

Under the partnership announced by President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, the US will provide Australia with the technology and capability to deploy nuclear-powered submarines, a senior US administration official told reporters.

The three leaders outlined the deal in virtual three-way announcements from their respective capitals.

"We all recognize the importance of ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific for the long term," President Biden said.

Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Scot Morrison said the submarine would be built in Adelaide in close collaboration with the United States and Britain. He underlined, Australia will not deploy nuclear weapons (on submarines to be built).

"We will continue to meet all of our nuclear non-proliferation obligations," said PM Morrison.

The British PM Boris Johnson called it an important decision for Australia to acquire the technology. He said this decision would make the world safer. "

"This will be one of the most complex and technically demanding projects in the world," said PM Johnson.

US officials stressed the move comes as Washington and its allies seek ways to counter China's growing power and influence, although it would not involve providing nuclear weapons to Australia.

They said the submarines would not be deployed with atomic weapons, but would allow the Australian navy to operate more quietly, for a longer time and provide deterrence across the Indo-Pacific.

In addition to nuclear submarines, officials said the partnership would also include cooperation in areas including artificial intelligence, quantum technology and cyberspace, "not aimed at any one country."

"This is a historic announcement. It reflects the determination of President Joe Biden's Government to build stronger partnerships to maintain peace and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific region," said one official.

To note, this partnership appears to be ending Australia's efforts to get French shipbuilder Naval Group to build a new fleet of US$40 billion of submarines to replace the more than two-decade-old Collins Class submarines, Australian media reported.