GS-2: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.
GS-2: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements.
AUKUS
Context: The U.S. has joined with the U.K. and Australia to announce a new trilateral security partnership, the AUKUS.
Significance of AUKUS:
AUKUS aims to ensure that there will be freedom and openness in the Indo-Pacific region, including the South China Sea.
It complements several pre-existing similar arrangements for the region like Five Eyes intelligence cooperation initiative, ASEAN and the Quad
It proposes to transfer technology to build a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines for Australia within 18 month.
US has clarified that AUKUS was “not talking about nuclear-armed submarines. These are conventionally armed submarines that are powered by nuclear reactors.
Although no explicit mention was made of China in any of the AUKUS announcements, this group challenges the regional hegemonic ambitions of China.
The operationalisation of this security partnership lead to closer coordination among the nations concerned in terms of joint military presence, war games and more in the region.
Concerns
Australia’s domestic challenges: As per Australia’s 1984 nuclear-free zone policy, nuclear-powered submarines would not be allowed into the former’s territorial waters. Hence, there is a political opposition to it.
Upset France: Australia had struck a deal with France for $90 billion worth of conventional submarines, which stands cancelled now. This has upset political leadership in France
Battleground: The Indo-Pacific region will emerge as the new geopolitical battle ground posing greater security risk to others.
