Letters | Aukus is not a signal Australia seeks nuclear weapons
- Australia’s decision to acquire conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines will contribute to the Indo-Pacific region’s security and stability
- Australia remains steadfast in its long-standing and continued commitment to strengthening global nuclear non-proliferation
Aukus is one part of Australia’s support for an open, stable, secure, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific where sovereign states can make choices free from coercion. It complements our other bilateral, regional and multilateral partnerships.
Australia’s decision to acquire conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines is something we are pursuing openly to contribute to the Indo-Pacific region’s security and stability. It is well-known that this is a defence capability that other Indo-Pacific countries already possess and operate in the region.
It is incorrect to assert Australia seeks to acquire nuclear weapons. As Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has stated unequivocally, Aukus is not a vehicle for Australia to acquire nuclear weapons and Australia has no intention of doing so.
Australia remains steadfast in its exemplary, long-standing and continued commitment to strengthening the global nuclear non-proliferation regime.