Q. The newly tri-nation partnership AUKUS is aimed at countering China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede the existing partnerships in the region? Discuss the strenght and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario.

Model Answer: 

The new tri-nation partnership AUKUS, comprising Australia, UK, and US, was recently announced and is aimed at countering China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. This has raised questions about the impact of this new partnership on existing partnerships in the region. In this answer, we will discuss the strength and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario and its implications on existing partnerships in the region.

Strength of AUKUS:

• Technological Edge: The partnership is expected to provide a significant technological edge to the member countries. The UK and the US are known for their advanced technological capabilities, which would be leveraged to support Australia’s defence capabilities.
• Nuclear Submarine Deal: A key component of AUKUS is the nuclear submarine deal between the US and Australia, which would provide Australia with advanced submarines capable of operating in deep waters.
• Military Cooperation: AUKUS also involves military cooperation between the three countries, which would enhance their ability to coordinate and respond to security challenges in the region.

Impact of AUKUS:

• Increased Strategic Competition: The announcement of AUKUS has increased strategic competition in the region, with China expressing concerns about the partnership’s impact on regional stability.
• Shift in Power Dynamics: The partnership has also shifted power dynamics in the region, with the US and its allies seeking to counterbalance China’s growing influence.
• Implications for Existing Partnerships: AUKUS has raised questions about the implications for existing partnerships in the region, such as the Quad and the Five Eyes intelligence alliance.

Implications for existing partnerships:

• Quad: AUKUS is likely to strengthen the Quad, which comprises Australia, India, Japan, and the US, as the four countries share concerns about China’s growing influence in the region.
• Five Eyes: AUKUS is also likely to have implications for the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, which comprises Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the US. The alliance may need to adapt to the new partnership and its focus on security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the new AUKUS partnership is expected to provide significant technological and military capabilities to its member countries, with implications for existing partnerships in the region. While the partnership is aimed at countering China’s ambitions, it has raised concerns about increased strategic competition and power dynamics in the region. It remains to be seen how the partnership will evolve and impact existing partnerships in the region.