U.S. Diplomat: AUKUS Submarine Pact Could Deter China Over Taiwan
The U.S. State Department's Deputy Secretary, Kurt Campbell, hinted at a potential link between the AUKUS submarine project and deterring Chinese aggression towards Taiwan.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin (center), UK Defense Minister Grant Shapps (right) and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Richard Donald Marles (left) held a press conference on the sidelines of the AUKUS Defense Ministers Meeting in Mountain View, California, USA. Photo by Anadolu Images.
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n a statement on April 3, the U.S. State Department’s Deputy Secretary, Kurt Campbell, hinted at a potential link between the AUKUS submarine project and deterring Chinese aggression towards Taiwan. The AUKUS initiative, a partnership between Australia, Britain, and the U.S., was introduced in 2023 to bolster defenses against China’s expanding influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Campbell’s remarks, made during a session at the Center for a New American Security think tank, underscored the strategic implications of the AUKUS submarine capabilities in maintaining peace and stability, particularly in the Taiwan Strait. While the three countries involved have been cautious about explicitly connecting AUKUS to tensions surrounding Taiwan, Campbell’s statement marks a departure from this approach.
The AUKUS project entails Australia’s acquisition of nuclear-powered attack submarines, a move aimed at strengthening the allies’ collective defense posture. Campbell emphasized that collaborating on defense initiatives not only enhances diplomatic ties but also contributes to overall peace and stability in the region.
China and AUKUS
China has expressed concern over the AUKUS pact, labeling it as dangerous and warning of a potential arms race in the region. However, the Biden administration has been actively seeking to bolster partnerships with allies in Asia, including Japan and the Philippines, in response to China’s military expansion and assertiveness in territorial disputes.
Ahead of a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. scheduled for April 11, President Biden aims to strengthen cooperation among the three nations, particularly in addressing challenges posed by China. Campbell highlighted plans for trilateral engagement, including closer coordination in the South China Sea, where tensions have escalated due to maritime disputes.
Moreover, Campbell discussed the evolving security partnership between the U.S. and Japan, emphasizing the importance of joint development and potential co-production of military equipment. Regarding the situation in Ukraine, Campbell revealed U.S. assessments suggesting Chinese assistance to Moscow in bolstering its military capabilities following initial setbacks in the conflict.
Campbell’s remarks signal a strategic alignment among the U.S. and its allies in the face of growing challenges posed by China’s assertive actions in the Indo-Pacific region. The AUKUS submarine project, along with enhanced trilateral cooperation, underscores efforts to uphold peace and stability while addressing evolving security threats in the region.
Source: Reuters
