Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles stated that AUKUS, the nuclear-powered submarine production agreement signed between his country and the UK and the US, is not a “commitment” to show that they will side with the US in a possible conflict with China over the Taiwan issue.
Speaking on ABC News’ Insiders, Defense Secretary Marles said the AUKUS agreement’s “commitment” to support the United States in a potential conflict, despite claims that the United States would not deliver the Virginia-class 5 submarine without a promise from Australia to use nuclear-powered submarines in a conflict situation. He said it didn’t mean.
Stating that the main purpose of nuclear-powered submarines is to “protect trade routes in the South China Sea”, Marles emphasized that the Virginia-class submarines will be “completely” under the control of the Australian government from the moment they are delivered to Australia in 2030.
On the other hand, Marles said, “Nuclear powered submarines have the capacity to operate in the context of war, but our primary aim here is to contribute to the stability of the region.” said.
CHINA-TAIWAN DISPUTE
After the Second World War in China, the Communists, who were victorious in the civil war between the Chinese Nationalist Party (Koumintag) forces led by Chiang Kaishek and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) forces led by Mao Zidong, declared the establishment of the People’s Republic of China on October 1, 1949. had done.
The members of Koumintag, who lost the civil war, settled in Taiwan and established a provisional government in Taipei, claiming that the “Republic of China” power established in 1912 continued on the Island.
Taiwan, which the People’s Republic of China claims to be part of its territory, has enjoyed de facto independence since 1949. The separation and sovereignty conflict between mainland China and Taiwan still continues.
Beijing, emphasizing the “one China” principle, opposes Taiwan’s establishing independent diplomatic relations with the countries of the world, its representation in the United Nations and other international organizations, and stipulates that the countries that recognize it should break diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
AUKUS AGREEMENT
In October 2021, Australia signed the AUKUS agreement with the USA and the UK, which envisages cooperation in the field of nuclear submarine technology.
In accordance with the security agreement “AUKUS”, which consists of the abbreviation of the names of 3 countries in English, at least 8 nuclear-powered submarines will be built at the shipyards in Adelaide, the capital of the state of South Australia.
Under the agreement, the nuclear powered submarines to be owned by Australia will be used to support stability in the Indo-Pacific and contribute to the protection of the common values and interests of the countries that are party to the agreement.
Reacting to the AUKUS agreement, which was announced against China’s growing military presence in the Indo-Pacific region, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Cao Licien criticized that “the agreement would seriously undermine regional peace and stability”.
After AUKUS, Australia will be recorded as “the first country to get nuclear submarines before reaching nuclear power”. (AA)