China Warns US, UK & Australia About AUKUS Submarine Project

By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Maven Editorial Fellow

China has voiced serious apprehensions about the growing influence of the AUKUS (Australia-United Kingdom-United States) trilateral security pact in the Asia-Pacific region, warning that it could destabilize the region’s peace and stability, according to a statement from a defense spokesperson on Thursday.

The trilateral security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States (AUKUS) has sparked concerns in China over its expansion in the Asia-Pacific region. This alliance, initially formed in 2021, has raised questions about its implications on regional security and the potential for a new arms race. In this analysis, we will delve into the technical aspects of AUKUS, China’s concerns, and the implications of this expansion.

According to China Daily, the spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, Wu Qian, expressed these concerns in light of recent news that Japan has formally declared its intention to become part of AUKUS, and Canada is contemplating initiating discussions to join the security alliance.

Wu stated, “While we welcome standard military collaboration among any nations, we are staunchly against certain countries forming exclusive clusters, establishing bilateral or multilateral military alliances aimed at China, fostering division, and inciting bloc confrontations.”

He emphasized that the Asia-Pacific region should be a platform for peace and development, not a battleground for geopolitical rivalry. Wu stressed, “China is a collaborator for all nations, not a threat to any.”

Despite the worries of regional nations and the global community, the US, UK, and Australia have continued to hint at the expansion of AUKUS, which Wu said has significantly disrupted peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. He added that numerous regional nations share these deep concerns.

Wu pointed out that due to historical and practical reasons, Japan’s military and security actions have been under close scrutiny by its Asian neighbors and the global community. He advised, “Japan should learn from history and exercise caution in its military and security affairs.” He also urged other nations to sincerely uphold their international responsibilities and refrain from actions that could jeopardize regional and global peace and stability.