Network
Media Magelang - The newly-announced defence alliance involving Australia, the U.K and the U.S (AUKUS) has raised concerns over the potential global arms race in the Asia-Pacific following Canberra's plan to obtain a nuclear-powered submarine.
The pact allows the U.K and the U.S to support Australia to have a nuclear submarine, meaning the treaty enables the latter's navy forces to go against the alleged "enemies" in the region, including China.
Even though the AUKUS did not specifically mention China, it clearly hinted that the pact signals a tough stance on Beijing.
Baca Juga: Sosok Maria Ressa dan Dmitry Muratov, Jurnalis Kritis Pemenang Nobel Perdamaian 2021
Also, the pact angered France which signed a deal in 2016 to provide Australia diesel-electric Barracuda submarines worth 34 billion euros (A$55 billion) over a 25-year period.
"The Australian 2016 contacts with the French to help build non-nuclear powered submarines came to a point of frustration and economic escalation reportedly leading to Australia turning to the US and UK. Discussions between Australia and the US and UK had been ongoing for 18 months before an agreement was reached," said retired U.S Navy officer Lawrence Brennan in a written interview with Media Magelang on 29 September.
As a NATO member, France plays a vital role in the defence of Europe.
Baca Juga: The Efficacy of The Pfizer Covid-19 Vaccine Wanes to 84 Percent, Should We Need A Booster?
ASEAN reactions
