AUKUS alliance an immediate deterrent against China's assertiveness

Australia’s AUKUS alliance will expand the United States’ presence in the Indo-Pacific region and act as an immediate deterrent against China’s growing assertiveness, says Sky News host Tom Connell.

The agreement will see Australia build nuclear-powered submarines using American and English technology alongside the acquisition of US Tomahawk missiles as well as additional armoury.

“It’s a big part of why Australia is partnering with the US: with France, it was about building submarines, with the US and UK, it’s about nuclear submarines to improve capability but also the rest of the tie in,” Mr Connell said.

“You heard Scott Morrison asked about an increased US presence in our region and whether this deal essentially locks that in; he indicated that could well be the case, that there will be more of a US presence here.

“And also the talk of missiles: if you’re talking about deterrent between now and when these submarines come online, today, this announcement actually bolsters the deterrent for the now, for the next 10 or 15 years.

“The missiles, if and when that path is taken, we are looking at something that is a better physical deterrent than submarines; submarines are more about regional power and tying in with the US.”

[ModernProspector]

Pretty sad that I have to come to an Australian news channel to find out what's going on in the US and the world.

[TorqueKit]

We cannot defend Australia without Nuclear Weapons.

[dimitzvonmelbourne]

NZ will deny these submarines to visit their country. We don't need any enemy when we have NZ as a friend.

[AP-eijt]

How’s is that deterrent when it’s 20 years out to see any deliveries? It’s more like detergent to wash Aussie money away.

[DOWNUNDER.]

Don't worry about the ditched french sub deal, Malcolm turnbull has already got his cut

[Nathan-ryyu]

The media has to stop been proactive saying all Australian defence equipment is aimed at tensions with China.

The fact Australian defence equipment is upgrading ageing equipment and has to be able meet any future threats if it's China or any country who wishes to threaten our sovereignty. More capability a country gains in defence Australia must keep up to be able to deterrent that threat. No matter what country it is.

Not much off a defence if Australia use equipment that can't defend with it.

Nuclear powered submarine is the way to go for Australia defence requirements. It isn't specifically aimed at China but a capability that is needed to keep Australian defence be able to respond effectively in our modern times.

The world has changed as many countries now have capabilities to travel long distances with long range strike capability. Australia geographical location is no longer able to help deterrent that threat as it has before. Australia must now arm with equipment that can deterrent these new threats.

[michaeln]

What is important is will this deal impact property prices? That’s the only thing that matters to Australians.

[ivan]

Historically, our reliance on the Britain during WW2 left us very exposed. If it were not for US help, the outcome would be very different.

[shanegrewell]

So... You traded the quad for the a new alliance, or is it two identical alliances full of the same allies as the prior alliance. I'm sorry, I'm just trying to understand how anything, beside the trade deal, has actually changed

[jamwhenever]

Biden doesn't know Scomo's name. 😂

[kelvinbamfield]

Misdirection only to take the heat off their failed covid measures

[Will-rsze]

The END of America Hegemony😂 EU + Russia + China should share the power with USA 👍

[dallasp]

After Afghanistan how can we trust the Americans ?

[ivan]

2040 is a joke. We need them now. Shouldn't we buy 50% completed and ready for immediate use while we construct the remainder.

[petersinclair]

The US joined Australia under General Monash in WW1. McArthur and The US Joint Chiefs were more on Australia’s side in WW2 than Churchill. Forgetting NZ, America has realised Oz mirrors them in the Asia Pacific Region. Australia is of strategic importance the the US. Allies joined at the hip.

[petersinclair]

Sovereignty is significant. Labor must back Scomo on this one. Scomo needs to make concessions to Biden Change.

[tigerking]

Australia openly advertises itself that it needs an enemy like China to beat itself up as it feels very lonely in the middle of nowhere. To spend huge amount of money on submarines is foolish by creating troubles for itself. Australia has made a huge fortune out of China now feels really cocky.

[caintindal]

I agree that we cant put all eggs in one basket and we need our own defence force something is quiet small considering how much our population has grown.

[rodneyjsnider]

Grab a plastic straw at the Burger King fill mouth and cheeks with white beans and fire away(:o)

[steveascension]

This deal is a real kick in the China C.C.P. bums. China is a great historical nation with a proud history. She has a lot to be proud of, her present assertiveness is just an aberration of communist insecurity,