The US, UK, and Australia are set to initiate discussions regarding the expansion of their Aukus security pact, aiming to bring new members into the fold as a means to deter China's influence. According to reports from the Financial Times on Saturday, these talks will include deliberations on "pillar two" of the pact, which involves joint development in areas such as quantum computing, undersea technology, hypersonic capabilities, artificial intelligence, and cyber technology.
The expansion discussions will not involve the first pillar of the Aukus pact, which focuses on supplying nuclear-powered attack submarines to Australia. The move to expand the pact comes in the wake of growing concerns over China's increasing power and influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Aukus, announced by the US, UK, and Australia in 2023, is part of their broader strategy to counterbalance China's assertiveness. China has criticized the pact, labeling it as dangerous and warning that it could trigger a regional arms race.
US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell recently suggested that the Aukus submarine project could serve as a deterrent against any potential Chinese aggression towards Taiwan. President Joe Biden has been actively seeking to strengthen partnerships with US allies in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly Japan and the Philippines, in response to China's military expansion and territorial claims.
Biden is scheduled to host Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Washington, followed by a trilateral summit involving Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., demonstrating the US's commitment to bolstering alliances in the region.
