AUKUS considers security deal with Japan — RT World News
The US, UK and Australia are engaging “like-minded” defense partners to ensure “stability” in the Indo-Pacific region.
Japan could soon join the US, UK and Australia in the AUKUS security partnership to facilitate the transfer of military technology in areas such as cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, undersea drones and hypersonic capabilities.
AUKUS was founded in 2021 between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia. Under “Pillar One” of the treaty, Washington and London pledged to help Canberra acquire nuclear-powered submarines. However, the “second pillar” is a broader technology-sharing agreement that will likely include other countries.
“Recognizing Japan's strengths and close bilateral defense partnerships with the three countries, we are considering cooperation with Japan on AUKUS Pillar II advanced capability projects.” Allies said in common statement on monday.
However, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese claimed that officially the AFC would remain a tripartite agreement, with Japan not being offered formal membership. “What is proposed is to look at the second pillar of AUKUS and look at each project individually, whether there will be participation, and Japan is a natural candidate for that to happen.” Al-Albani said on Tuesday.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is expected to discuss the scope of his country's role in the agreement during his meeting with US President Joe Biden this week.
AUKUS partners stress that the bloc is not a formal military alliance and is focused solely on technology exchange. In the last statement, they once again claimed that this was their goal “Ensuring stability, peace and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region.”
Meanwhile, China condemned the project as an attempt to build… “Asia-Pacific version of NATO” Warning that it will start “arms race” In the region.
According to a recent report in Politico magazine, the American University in Australia could be expanded by the end of the year to include not only Japan, but also Canada. India, New Zealand and South Korea have also been mooted as potential members.
The White House is allegedly trying to fast-track Canada and Japan's membership, according to a diplomat, with Biden “We are doing our best to get some things done related to the second pillar of AUKUS now, before the US elections.” With elections in the United Kingdom and Australia approaching next year, London and Canberra are also taking part in the rapid expansion planned by Washington. This was told by an official working in the British Ministry of Defense to Politico “There is an incentive to get Pillar 2 done sooner rather than later.”
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