Context
The AUKUS security Pact is set to begin talks on bringing new members and plans in order to include Japan into the group.
About AUKUS
- AUKUS is a trilateral defence and security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
- It was established in 2021 to reinforce their allied deterrence and defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific.
- The trilateral partnership has two pillars.
- Pillar I revolves around the acquisition and development of conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian military;
- and Pillar 2 makes a speciality of cooperation in 8 advanced military capability areas: artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technologies, innovation, records sharing, and cyber, undersea, hypersonic and counter-hypersonic and electronic warfare domains.
Why was AUKUS formed?
- Increasing Presence of China: The Indo-Pacific region has witnessed increasing geopolitical tensions, consisting of territorial disputes, military build-up, and assertive behavior by China.
- The collaborating nations share concerns about maintaining peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in the region.
- Technological Cooperation: AUKUS aims to enhance technological cooperation, especially in the area of defence and security.
- Alliance Strengthening: AUKUS represents a deepening of security ties between Australia, the UK, and the United States.
- Response to Regional Dynamics: The formation of AUKUS is seen as a reaction to transferring regional dynamics and evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
- It displays a broader trend of nations in the area seeking to forge closer security partnerships and alliances to address not unusual concerns and counterbalance China’s influence.
Way Ahead
- Lasting success for AUKUS in deterring regional threats and reinforcing regional balance hinges on collaborating states overcoming boundaries to progress in technology and information sharing, and meeting benchmarks for both Pillars.
- Achieving the core objectives will take years, with Pillar I likely requiring many years, despite all states moving forward at full speed.
- Regardless, AUKUS nevertheless holds immediate promise for participating countries.
- Critically, it’ll assist catalyze technological innovation and enhance research and development for emerging talents essential to maintain a competitive edge, make stronger defense ties, and deepen the three nations’ presence in the Indo-Pacific.
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Mains Practice Question
Q.The new tri-nation partnership AUKUS is aimed at countering China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede the existing partnerships in the region? Discuss the strength and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario. (2021)
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