Biden announces first phase of nuclear submarine deal with Australia and the UK

President Joe Biden Australia will purchase at least three U.S. nuclear-powered submarines in a trilateral agreement for national security with the U.S. U.K. That funds the three country’s defense forces in an effort to counter ChinaThe Indo-Pacific is influenced by.

“AUKUS has one overriding objective: to enhance the stability of the Indo-Pacific amid rapidly shifting global dynamics,” Biden said Monday in San Diego, California. “This first project, this first project is only the beginning.”

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Prime Ministers Flanked Anthony Albanese Australia Rishi Sunak The president also spoke out about the U.K.’s North Island Naval Air Station. “I’m proud to be your shipmates.”

Biden quipped that the Australia-United Kingdom-United-States pact, known as “AUKUS,” Has “an unusual name, but it’s a powerful entity.” After bellicose rhetoric from both sides, the president took it seriously when he said that the submarines that would be purchased and built together will be nuclear-powered. Chinese President Xi Jinping Qin Gang, who is now his top diplomat.

AUKUS was made public on Sept. 15, 2021. This announcement ended a deal between Australia & France regarding diesel-powered submarines. This agreement also caused tensions between France and the U.S., as well as roiling the European Union, who had intended to develop its own Indo-Pacific strategy.

Monday’s announcement ends an 18-month consultation period. Initial steps include embedding personnel in port visits and the formation of submarine rotating forces by 2027. Australia may also purchase up to five submarines of the Virginia class in the 2030s.