Australian defence minister aims to reassure Thailand over nuclear subs, regional security

Australia’s defence minister aimed to reassure Thailand on Friday that plans to acquire a new fleet of nuclear submarines would enhance “collective security” in the region after neighbouring countries voiced concerns.

The submarine issue came up during a visit to Manila earlier this week, Defence Minister Richard Marles said in an interview, and was also on the agenda for Friday’s talks with Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who is responsible for defence.

“The point I’ll be making to the prime minister is about contributing to the collective security of the region”, Marles said ahead of the meeting. “It’s about building balance, and through that contributing to peace and stability of the region”.

Australia has been weighing whether it wants the United States or Britain to supply the new nuclear subs, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expected to announce a decision in Washington next month at a meeting with both countries’ leaders.

Malaysia and Indonesia have expressed concerns about the acquisition, warning against an arms race. But Marles said Australia wanted to build a “sense of confidence” about the plan.

The previous Australian government tore up a contract to buy French diesel-powered subs in favour of US or British nuclear ones – a move that angered Paris. The submarine deal emerged out of a new security pact between Australia, Britain and the United States – dubbed Aukus – aimed at countering a rising China.