China Renews Criticism of AUKUS Pact Following Reaffirmation, Citing Proliferation Risks

Beijing Voices Strong Opposition to AUKUS Reaffirmation

China has renewed its criticism of the AUKUS security pact, a trilateral defense agreement between Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The latest condemnation from Beijing follows the recent reaffirmation of the pact by US President Donald Trump during a meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated on Tuesday that the agreement 'amplifies the risk of nuclear proliferation' and fuels regional tensions.

AUKUS Pact: A Brief Overview and China's Consistent Stance

The AUKUS agreement, initially announced in September 2021, aims to strengthen defense cooperation among the three allies, with a key component being the provision of nuclear-powered submarines to Australia. The optimal pathway for Australia to acquire these submarines, which are conventionally armed but nuclear-powered, was detailed in March 2023. Since its inception, China has consistently voiced strong opposition to the pact, viewing it as a move to counter its growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Concerns Over Nuclear Proliferation and Bloc Confrontation

During a regular press briefing, spokesperson Guo Jiakun reiterated China's long-standing position, stating, 'We oppose bloc confrontation and anything that increases the risk of nuclear proliferation and exacerbates the arms race.' Beijing argues that the transfer of nuclear technology to a non-nuclear-weapon state like Australia under the AUKUS framework poses 'serious risks of nuclear proliferation' and violates the object and purpose of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). China has previously accused the AUKUS partners of embarking on a 'path of error and danger' and of fuelling an arms race.

Geopolitical Implications in the Indo-Pacific

The AUKUS pact is seen by its members as a crucial step to enhance deterrence capabilities and strengthen security in the Indo-Pacific. However, China views such alliances, including AUKUS and the Quad (comprising the US, India, Japan, and Australia), as coordinated efforts to contain its rise. Chinese officials have emphasized that the Pacific 'should not be a playground for major powers' and have called for the international community to address the implications of AUKUS on the NPT and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards regime.