United Kingdom: The United Kingdom Prime Minister Mr. Rishi Sunak will fly to San Diego to unveil plans for supplying nuclear-powered submarines to Australia under the AUKUS scheme amid concerns over the growing threat from China.
A major announcement is expected to be made when the UK prime minister meets with his Australian counterpart, Mr. Anthony Albanese, and US President Mr. Joe Biden.
As a response to concerns about China’s economic coercion and foreign policies, the UK’s defence and security strategy for the 2020s will be updated. The revised version is due to be published at the upcoming meeting in San Diego.
Britain, the US, and Australia announced the AUKUS (Australia-UK-US) plan in 2021 as part of efforts to counter China’s growing military footprint in the Indo-Pacific region.
“In turbulent times, the UK’s global alliances are our greatest source of strength and security,” the Prime Minister remarked.
“I am travelling to the United States to launch the next stage of the AUKUS nuclear submarine programme, a project that is binding ties to our closest allies and delivering security, new technology, and economic advantage at home,” Mr. Sunak further commented.
Britain is stepping up efforts to increase its influence in the Indo-Pacific, as Mr. Sunak hopes the trilateral summit will demonstrate his commitment to standing up to China, which also comes as a result of the pressure from senior Conservative MPs.