Greens warn nuclear submarines deal risks war with China as Albanese says Aukus ‘full-steam ahead’
Summary
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that the Aukus security pact and the purchase of nuclear-powered submarines from the US are continuing as planned. The Greens party has called for canceling the deal, warning it could involve Australia in a war with China and suggesting Australia should focus on conventional submarines instead.Key Facts
- Australia will buy secondhand Virginia-class nuclear submarines from the United States under the Aukus agreement, which also includes the UK.
- The deal is worth about $368 billion and is a multi-decade commitment.
- The Greens argue that the submarines could draw Australia into a US conflict with China.
- Greens’ defense spokesperson David Shoebridge prefers conventional submarines to protect Australia’s borders.
- Shoebridge said the main danger is losing Australia’s sovereignty to the US, not China’s military actions.
- Prime Minister Albanese rejected the Greens' advice, saying Aukus is "full-steam ahead" and that the US alliance is important.
- Australian ministers are set to discuss Aukus and other international relationships with counterparts from the UK, Germany, France, and Finland soon.
- The government says buying “in-service” submarines saves money on costs like training and maintenance.
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