Australia, Britain defend Aukus nuclear submarine deal at FPDA meeting, say fears ‘overhyped’

Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton said Aukus is ‘not a defence alliance or a security pact’ and will complement its partnerships in the region

He spoke after a meeting of the Five Powers Defence Arrangement involving Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and Britain

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Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton said the country has no intention of interfering in the operations of other nations, and will continue to maintain close ties to ensure the region remains secure and prosperous. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 7:30pm, 21 Oct 2021Updated: 11:40pm, 21 Oct 2021

Australia and Britain on Thursday defended their nuclear submarine deal with the US amid concerns it could escalate tensions in the region and spark an arms race.

British Minister for Armed Forces James Heappey said there “has been a lot of overhyping” of the pact known as Aukus. He said Britain and the US have been sharing such technologies for decades and that Australia’s decision to join was merely to develop its own submarine capability.

The pact will provide Australia with nuclear reactors to power its submarines but the subs will not be nuclear-armed.

It drew mixed reactions in the region, with Malaysia and Indonesia expressing concern it could escalate tensions in hotspots such as the South China Sea. China, which claims most of the disputed sea, slammed the pact and warned it would threaten regional stability.

Others such as the Philippines, which claims part of the South China Sea, suggested Aukus could help restore balance in the region, alluding to China’s growing military might. Singapore was more guarded, but has voiced hope the pact will contribute constructively to regional peace.

“It doesn’t in any way reflect reduction in our friendships with colleagues and allies. It doesn’t in any way represent a challenge in your part of the world,” Heappey said in an online news conference after meeting with his counterparts in the Five Powers defence Arrangements.