The Chinese Threat Behind Australia's Nuclear Submarine Program Ep5
In 2021, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States formed the AUKUS security partnership. The goal of this partnership is to help Australia develop its own nuclear-powered submarines by 2040. But why does the largest and most populous nation in Oceania, with no apparent domestic or foreign enemies, want its own nuclear submarines? In recent years, China has increased investment and military cooperation in Pacific Island countries as part of the Belt and Road Initiative. Considering Australia's relatively high dependence on foreign trade, the Chinese military presence in Oceania has caused Australia to rethink its defense strategy. Defending Australian interests increasingly requires maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, including the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait. As China continues to garner favor among Australia's neighbors, how can Australia safeguard its interests in the region? Learn more about why the Taiwan issue is essential to Australia's new defense strategy on this episode of Operation 2027.
