Summary

The governments of the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia have announced a new defense partnership, dubbed “AUKUS.” The deal foresees “deeper information and technology sharing… [along with] deeper integration of security and defense-related science, technology, industrial bases, and supply chains… in particular, we will significantly deepen cooperation on a range of security and defense capabilities.” The joint declaration also commits to “triliteral collaboration… to enhance our joint capabilities and interoperability” and closes with the mission statement of “[helping] to sustain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region… to protect our shared values and promote security and prosperity.”

While China does not appear in the official statements, it’s clear who this new defense agreement is aimed at.