China warns Australia

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China warns Australia is going 'down the wrong and dangerous path' following AUKUS nuclear submarines deal

Beijing has responded to the AUKUS submarine deal, stating the trilateral security partnership to "promote cooperation on nuclear submarines and other cutting-edge military technologies " is a "typical Cold War mentality".

March 15, 2023

China has warned Australia is going "further down the wrong and dangerous path" following new details on the multibillion-dollar AUKUS submarine deal.

Australia will acquire eight nuclear-powered submarines under the trilateral partnership, which is expected to cost up to $368 billion.

However, the historic subs deal was met with criticism and a warning from China's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday.

"We’ve repeatedly said that the establishment of the so-called AUKUS security partnership between the US, the UK and Australia to promote cooperation on nuclear submarines and other cutting-edge military technologies is a typical Cold War mentality," China Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin told reporters.

Richard Marles declares massive defence investment 'comes first' and 'underpins' Australia amid $365bn AUKUS bill

Defence Minister Richard Marles has argued Australia’s social programs are underpinned by the “security of our country” as he defends the eye-watering cost of the AUKUS submarine acquisition.
Tyrone Clarke

March 15, 2023

Defence Minister Richard Marles says Australia’s massive increase in defence spending mirrors the growing “strategic threat” it faces as the government defends the more than $360 billion cost of the AUKUS submarines.

The final blueprint of the AUKUS arrangement was revealed on Tuesday during a trilateral press conference with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his UK and US counterparts in San Diego.

The centrepiece of the historic alliance will see Australia procure up to eight nuclear-propelled submarines which will include the brand new SSN-AUKUS-class boats which are expected to begin hitting the water in the late-2030s.

The 30-year $368 billion investment will begin with the purchase of three Virginia-class boats from the United States, but the government has attempted to play down concerns over the massive defence investment.