The US has launched a review of its multi-billion dollar submarine deal with the UK and Australia, saying the security pact must fit its "America First" agenda. Under the trilateral pact, widely seen as a response to the growing power of China, Australia is to get its first nuclear-powered subs from the US, before the allies create a new fleet by sharing cutting-edge tech. Both Australia and the UK - which did its own review last year - have sought to play down news of the US probe, saying it is natural for a new administration to reassess. The move comes as Australia faces pressure from the White House to lift its military spending, from 2% to 3.5% of GDP, a push so far resisted by Canberra. The agreement - worth £176bn ($239bn; A$368bn) - was signed in 2021, when all three countries involved had different leaders. "The department is reviewing Aukus as part of ensuring that this initiative of the previous administration is aligned with the President's America First agenda," a US defence official told the BBC. "As [US Defence] Secretary [Pete] Hegseth has made clear, this means ensuring the highest readiness of our servicemembers [and] that allies step up fully to do their part for collective defence." The review will be headed up Elbridge Colby, who has previously been critical of Aukus, in a speech last year questioning why the US would give away "this crown jewel asset when we most need it". Defence Minister Richard Marles, speaking to local Australian media on Thursday morning local time, said he was optimistic the deal would continue. "I'm very confident this is going to happen," he told ABC Radio Melbourne. "You just need to look at the map to understand that Australia absolutely needs to have a long-range submarine capability." Some in Australia have been lobbying for the country to develop a more independent defence strategy, but Marles said it was important to "stick to a plan" - a reference to the previous government's controversial cancellation of asubmarine deal with Francein favour of Aukus. An Australian government spokesperson told the BBC it was "natural" that the new administration would "examine" the agreement, adding the UK had also recently finished a review of the security pact between the long-standing allies. There is "clear and consistent" support for the deal across the "full political spectrum" in the US, they said, adding Australia looked forward to "continuing our close cooperation with the Trump Administration on this historic project". A UK defence spokesperson told the BBC it was "understandable" for a new administration to look at the deal, "just as the UK did last year". Aukus is a "landmark security and defence partnership with two of our closest allies", the spokesperson said, and "one of the most strategically important partnerships in decades, supporting peace and security in the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic". Jennifer Kavanagh - from American thinktank Defense Priorities - told the BBC that the US was "absolutely right to take a look at this deal" as its submarine capacities were already stretched. "The US cannot meet its own demand for these nuclear-powered submarines," she said. The other concern the US might have is whether Australia would use the submarines they buy in the way the US wants them to, she said. Dr Kavanagh said the review might see the security pact shift its focus, away from submarines. However, if the US were to pull out of the deal, China would "celebrate" as they have long criticised the deal, Dr Kavanagh added. For Australia, the deal represents a major upgrade to its military capabilities. The country becomes just the second after the UK to receive Washington's elite nuclear propulsion technology. Such submarines will be able to operate further and faster than the country's existing diesel-engine fleet and Australia would also be able to carry out long-range strikes against enemies for the first time. It is a big deal for the US to share what is often called the the "crown jewels" of its defence technology. But arming Australia has historically been viewed by Washington and Downing Street as essential to preserving peace in a region they themselves aren't a part of. From 2027, the pact will allow both the US and UK to base a small number of nuclear submarines in Perth, Western Australia. Canberra will also buy three second-hand Virginia-class submarines from the US at a yet-to-be-determined date in the early 2030s - with options to purchase two more. After that, the plan is to design and build an entirely new nuclear-powered submarine model for the UK and Australian navies. This attack craft will be built in Britain and Australia to a British design, but use technology from all three countries. The security alliance has repeatedly drawn criticism from China, with Beijing's foreign ministry saying it risked creating an arms race.
US reviewing Aukus submarine pact as part of 'America First' agenda
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"US Conducts Review of Aukus Submarine Agreement Amid Strategic Reassessments"
Bbc News
7.4
TruthLens AI Summary
The United States has initiated a review of its significant submarine agreement with Australia and the UK, emphasizing that the trilateral pact must align with its 'America First' policy. This review reflects the growing geopolitical tension with China and the necessity for Australia to acquire its first nuclear-powered submarines from the US. The agreement, valued at £176 billion (approximately $239 billion), was established in 2021 when the three nations were led by different political administrations. US Defence officials have indicated that the review is integral to maintaining military readiness and ensuring that allies contribute adequately to collective defense efforts. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles expressed confidence that the deal would proceed, underlining the strategic importance of Australia developing a long-range submarine capability. He also noted the significance of adhering to established defense plans following the controversial cancellation of a previous submarine deal with France in favor of Aukus.
The review is being led by Elbridge Colby, who has previously voiced skepticism regarding the deal, raising concerns about the timing and rationale for sharing critical naval technology. While some Australian voices advocate for a more autonomous defense strategy, Marles reaffirmed the commitment to Aukus, highlighting widespread political support for the pact in both the US and Australia. Analysts have pointed out that the US is currently facing challenges in meeting its own demand for nuclear-powered submarines, raising questions about whether Australia will utilize these submarines according to US strategic interests. The Aukus partnership not only enhances Australia's military capabilities but also serves as a counterbalance to Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific region. The agreement allows for a future collaboration in designing and building a new class of nuclear-powered submarines, with the first delivery of three second-hand Virginia-class submarines expected in the early 2030s. As this review unfolds, it remains to be seen how it will impact the dynamics of the agreement and regional security, especially considering the criticism it has drawn from China, which views the pact as a potential catalyst for an arms race.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the United States' reassessment of the Aukus submarine pact with Australia and the UK, emphasizing the alignment of international agreements with the "America First" policy under the current administration. This review signals a shift towards prioritizing national interests, particularly in the context of rising tensions with China. The situation reflects broader themes of military readiness and defense spending, raising questions about the future of international security alliances.
Political Implications
The decision to review the Aukus agreement indicates a significant political maneuver within the U.S. It suggests that the Biden administration is keen on ensuring that international commitments align with domestic priorities. This could also be interpreted as an attempt to assert U.S. interests in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly concerning China's increasing military capabilities. The pressure on Australia to increase its military spending from 2% to 3.5% of GDP highlights the expectations that allies must contribute more significantly to shared defense responsibilities.
Public Perception and Narrative
The portrayal of the review as a routine reassessment could be an attempt to mitigate public concern about potential shifts in military alliances. Australian officials are trying to project optimism regarding the continuity of the deal, which may serve to reassure both the public and investors. However, the underlying tension regarding defense spending and strategic commitments could foster skepticism among citizens about the long-term viability of such international agreements.
Potential Oversights
While the article mentions the pressure on Australia, it does not delve deeply into the implications for domestic Australian politics or public opinion regarding defense spending. There may be an underlying narrative that seeks to downplay dissenting voices advocating for a more independent defense policy, suggesting a lack of transparency about internal debates.
Manipulation Assessment
The article's framing may suggest a degree of manipulation, particularly in the language used to describe the review process. By emphasizing "America First," it appeals to a nationalist sentiment that could rally support for the administration's agenda, while downplaying potential backlash from allies. The choice of quotes from U.S. officials might also be aimed at reinforcing a specific narrative about the necessity of the review.
Trustworthiness of the News
This news piece appears to contain factual information about the Aukus agreement and the U.S. review process, but its framing may lead to biased interpretations. The reliance on official statements without exploring dissenting opinions or broader implications diminishes its overall reliability. Readers should approach this news with a critical mindset, considering the potential for agenda-driven reporting.
Impact on Global Dynamics
This news could have significant implications for global power dynamics, especially in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions with China. The Aukus pact serves as a counterbalance to China's influence in the Indo-Pacific, and any changes to the agreement could affect regional security arrangements. Furthermore, defense contractors and related stocks might experience volatility as investors respond to uncertainties surrounding military spending and international agreements.
Community Support and Target Audience
The article seems to resonate more with nationalist communities within the U.S. that favor strong military alliances aligned with American interests. It also targets readers who are concerned about national security and defense, potentially galvanizing support for increased military expenditure.
Market Reactions
Investors might react to this news by scrutinizing defense stocks, particularly those linked to the submarine deal. Companies involved in defense manufacturing may see fluctuations in their stock prices depending on the perceived stability of the Aukus agreement and U.S. military spending priorities.
Conclusion
The article encapsulates significant developments in U.S. foreign policy regarding defense agreements while presenting an optimistic outlook from Australian officials. However, the nuances of public sentiment, internal politics, and international relations require careful consideration beyond the headline.