Pentagon launches review of AUKUS security deal

The United States Department of Defense officially announced a review of the AUKUS security deal on Wednesday, stating that it aims to ensure the initiative aligns with President Donald Trump's America First agenda.

The AUKUS deal, signed in September 2021, aims to strengthen Australia's military capabilities by providing it with nuclear-powered submarine technology from the United States and the United Kingdom.

Responding to the announcement, Australian Defense Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said on Thursday that it was "natural" for the US administration to review the pact.

"We are committed to AUKUS and we look forward to working closely with the US on the review," he said in a statement.

He also said he was "very confident" Australia would still get the US submarines.

By empowering Australia, AUKUS was established with the primary aim of countering China's growing influence in the Asia-Pacific region.

China has made clear more than once its position on the so-called trilateral security partnership between the US, the UK and Australia designed to advance cooperation on nuclear submarines and other cutting-edge military technologies, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a regular news conference on Thursday.

"We oppose manufacturing bloc confrontation and anything that amplifies the risk of nuclear proliferation and exacerbates the arms race," Lin said.

Chen Hong, executive director of the Asia Pacific Studies Center at East China Normal University in Shanghai, said the Pentagon's review of AUKUS signals a waning US commitment to its allies in the Asia-Pacific region.

"The US has always prioritized its own interests above all else, and no other country enjoys special privileges," he said.

"AUKUS is fundamentally a deal to the strategic advantage of Washington, as Australia has already committed significant funding to support US' submarine production under the agreement."

Controversial nature

He noted that the UK and the US had each decided to review the AUKUS plan, saying that the move reflects the pact's controversial nature.

"Through AUKUS, the US has drawn Australia and the UK into framing China as a strategic rival, positioning them as the vanguard of US hegemony in the region, a move that risks heightening tensions and increasing the likelihood of strategic miscalculation," Chen said.

Paul Keating, former prime minister of Australia, also said that Australia should carve its own security strategy "rather than being dragged along on the coattails of a fading Atlantic empire".

"The US review serves as a canary in the coal mine for its allies, including Australia," Chen said.

"These countries should not prioritize American interests over their own, or they risk being drawn into a highly dangerous situation," he said.

Agencies contributed to this story.

liujianqiao@chinadaily.com.cn