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Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison is seen at a press conference with the leaders of the US and UK to launch a new alliance to counter China. Photo: DPA

China-Australia relations: Scott Morrison offers Xi Jinping ‘open invitation’ to talks after new pact with US, UK

  • The Australian PM made the offer after joining the ‘Aukus’ security pact with the US and UK to strengthen military capabilities in the Pacific
  • Australia will withdraw from a US$66 billion submarine deal with France and instead build nuclear-powered subs using US and UK technology
Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Thursday extended an “open invitation” for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, after announcing a series of hi-tech military purchases spurred by Beijing’s growing strength and joining a new alliance with the United States and Britain.

Morrison said he remained ready to hold discussions with Xi, despite high-level talks being frozen and growing tensions between the two countries. Canberra’s decision to boost its military arsenal amid already surging spending on defence is likely to further strain its relationship with Beijing.

“There’s an open invitation for President Xi to discuss other matters,” Morrison said.

Australia would acquire long-range US Tomahawk cruise missiles for the first time, Morrison said.

He also confirmed Australia has scrapped a A$90 billion (US$66 billion) submarine deal with France, instead building nuclear-powered subs using US and British technology.

“The decision we have made to not continue with the Attack Class submarine and to go down this path is not a change of mind, it’s a change of need,” he said.

The announcement confirmed a decision, which has been described as “regrettable” by the French government and met with “disappointment” by French firm Naval Group, which had been contracted to build 12 state-of-the-art Attack Class subs.

US, UK, Australia announce ‘historic’ military alliance likely to anger China

Morrison said France “remains an incredibly important partner in the Pacific” but acknowledged the relationship between Canberra and Paris has now taken a hit.

“We share a deep passion for our Pacific family and a deep commitment to them, and I look forward and I hope to see us continue once we move past what is obviously a very difficult and disappointing decision for France,” he said.

“I understand that. I respect it. But as a prime minister I must make decisions that are in Australia’s national security interests. I know France would do the same.”

Australia will invest in US nuclear-powered submarines, like the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Illinois pictured here, after ditching its contract with France to build diesel-electric subs. Photo: AP
This came after the Morrison joined US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in a video meeting to announce a new alliance, dubbed Aukus, to strengthen military capabilities in the face of growing rivalry with China.

The three leaders did not mention China in unveiling the partnership but their intent was clear.

“Our world is becoming more complex, especially here in our region, the Indo-Pacific. This affects us all. The future of the Indo-Pacific will impact all our futures,” Morrison said.

Johnson said they would work “hand in glove to preserve stability and security in the Indo-Pacific”.

Department of Defence Secretary Greg Moriarty, Chief of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) General Angus Campbell and Prime Minister Scott Morrison at a press conference in Canberra on September 16. Photo: DPA

Biden said the work to enable Australia to build nuclear-powered submarines would ensure that they had “the most modern capabilities we need to manoeuvre and defend against rapidly evolving threats”.

The submarines, stressed Biden and the other leaders, will not be nuclear armed, only powered with nuclear reactors.

Morrison will join Biden again on September 24, this time in person, at a first White House gathering of the “Quad” diplomatic group – Australia, India, Japan and the United States.

Biden invites Quad leaders to White House for summit next week

Meanwhile, Morrison is trending on Twitter after Biden appeared to forget his name during their virtual press conference to unveil the new security partnership.

Morrison spoke first, followed by Johnson, before Biden had his turn and stumbled on his reference to the Australian premier as he began to speak.

“I want to thank that fella Down Under,” Biden said in his opening remarks. “Thank you very much pal. Appreciate it, Mr Prime Minister.”

#ThatFellaDownUnder then ensued, becoming the top trending hashtag on Australian Twitter.

Additional reporting by Bloomberg

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