The newly tri-nation partnership AUKUS is aimed at countering China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede the existing partnerships in the region? Discuss the strength and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario.
1. AUKUS
AUKUS, announced in September 2021, is a trilateral security pact of Australia, the UK and the USA.
2. Its centrepiece is nuclear-powered submarines for
Its centrepiece is nuclear-powered submarines for Australia, with cooperation in AI, quantum, cyber and hypersonics.
3. It is aimed at countering China’s
It is aimed at countering China’s growing military assertiveness and ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region.
4. AUKUS will not supersede existing partnerships;
AUKUS will not supersede existing partnerships; QUAD remains consultative and ASEAN-led structures endure.
5. It complements alliances like ANZUS and
It complements alliances like ANZUS and Five Eyes, adding a technology and capability layer rather than replacing them.
6. France’s lost submarine contract strained transatlantic
France’s lost submarine contract strained transatlantic ties, showing the alliance-management costs of AUKUS.
7. For India
For India, AUKUS reinforces a rules-based Indo-Pacific balance, though India itself is not a member.
8. Impact is tempered by slow delivery
Impact is tempered by slow delivery timelines, non-proliferation concerns and China’s parallel military modernisation.
9. Overall
Overall, AUKUS adds deterrence, but existing forums, including QUAD, ASEAN and the East Asia Summit, retain their roles.
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