Daily Hot Topic
Topic : AUKUS New Deal
GS-2 Mains : IR
Context
- Australia signs deal to exchange nuclear secrets and material with US and UK.
- Key step towards nuclear-powered submarines for Australian navy.
About the Deal
- Purpose: Transfer of sensitive US and UK nuclear material and know-how as part of AUKUS.
- Duration: Until Dec 31, 2075, with one-year exit notice for any party.
- Material Transfer: Complete, welded power units for naval propulsion only.
- Breach or Termination: Remaining countries can demand return or destruction of exchanged items.
- Nuclear Non-Proliferation: US and UK can cease cooperation if Australia breaches NPT or detonates a nuclear device.
- Liability: Australia responsible for nuclear safety risks, indemnifies US and UK.
- Additional Commitments: Non-legally binding document, no obligation for Australia to participate in US-led military actions.
AUKUS
- Tripartite defense and security partnership: Australia, UK, US.
- Established: 2021 to bolster deterrence and defense in Indo-Pacific.
- Pillars:
- Pillar 1: Acquiring nuclear-powered submarines for Australian navy.
- Pillar 2: Cooperation in AI, quantum tech, innovation, information sharing, cyber, undersea, hypersonic, and electronic warfare.
Why AUKUS?
- Increasing Chinese presence: Concerns over peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in Indo-Pacific.
- Technological cooperation: Enhance defense and security tech.
- Alliance strengthening: Deepen security ties between Australia, UK, US.
- Response to regional dynamics: Counterbalance China’s influence.
Way Ahead
- Achieving objectives will take years, decades for Pillar 1.
- Immediate promise in technological innovation and R&D.
- Strengthen defense ties and deepen presence in Indo-Pacific.
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