First Japan, now South Korea confirms Aukus talks on joining defence pact

South Korea is the latest country to explore the possibility of working with Aukus, after both Japan and New Zealand also flagged their interest

The focus would be on the pact’s second ‘pillar’, which involves sharing military technology such as quantum computing and hypersonic missiles

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South Korea’s National Defence Minister Shin Won-sik (right) speaks at a press conference in Melbourne on Wednesday. Photo: AFP

Published: 2:10pm, 1 May 2024Updated: 2:17pm, 1 May 2024

South Korea has held talks on joining a part of the Aukus defence deal between the United States, Britain and Australia, Defence Minister Shin Won-sik said on Wednesday, only weeks after the pact said it would hold formal talks on Japan’s entry.

Formed in 2021, Aukus is a two-stage security pact to counteract China’s growing power in the Asia-Pacific region.

While a first stage to give Australia nuclear submarine technology is limited to the core trio, they have raised the possibility of other countries joining a second stage, or “Pillar 2”, that aims to share other military technology including quantum computing and hypersonic missiles.

South Korea could contribute to that second stage with its defence, science and technological capabilities, Shin said at a news conference after a meeting between Australia and South Korea’s foreign and defence ministers in Melbourne.

“During today’s meeting we also discussed the possibility of partnering with Aukus Pillar 2,” he said.

“We support Aukus Pillar 2 activities and we do welcome that members are considering Korea as an Aukus Pillar 2 partner.”

An IBM Quantum System One, the first commercially available circuit-based quantum computer, pictured at a US university last month. Quantum computing is one of the areas covered by Aukus Pillar Two Photo: AP