U.S. unveils security alliance with U.K., Australia

Australia emphasized Thursday it is not starting a nuclear weapons program, but it will work with the United States and the United Kingdom to build a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines to conduct longer patrols. The alliance will also share intelligence and increase its military presence in the Indo-Pacific region. U.S. President Joe Biden announced the agreement via video link on Thursday with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

What does this mean for China? Although none of the leaders mentioned China in their announcement, the Chinese government has called the alliance “highly irresponsible” and criticized Australia for weakening relations. The Chinese government has criticized Biden’s foreign policy since he called for a rebuke of Beijing over its handling of the the coronavirus outbreak and human rights violations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang province. With a growing focus on the Pacific, Biden is set to host leaders from India, Australia, and Japan next week.

Dig deeper: Read Marvin Olasky’s interview with geopolitical analyst George Friedman on tensions with China.