U.S., U.K. and Australia announce new security partnership for Indo-Pacific

Current GK ( Master) International Affairs

16-Sep-21

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The security grouping AUKUS will focus on advancing strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region
A week before a meeting of Quad leaders in Washington DC, the Biden administration, on September 15, announced a new trilateral security partnership for the Indo-Pacific, between Australia, the U.K. and the U.S. (AUKUS). As part of this, Australia will acquire nuclear-powered submarines with help from the U.K. and the U.S.
The trilateral grouping was formally announced by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison who joined U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House via video-link. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also participated in the launch via video link.
“The future of the Indo-Pacific will impact all our futures,” Mr. Morrison said, adding that AUKUS will enhance Australia’s contribution to its other partnerships, including the Quad.
“We need to be able to address both the current strategic environment in the region, and how it may evolve, because the future of each of our nations — and indeed the world -depends on a free and open Indo-Pacific enduring and flourishing in the decades ahead,” Mr. Biden said.
There was no divide separating the interests of America’s Atlantic and Pacific partners, he said, adding that the U.S. would work with other partners — such as the Quad and ASEAN — in the region. Mr. Biden also singled out France for its growing presence in the region and role in strengthening security there.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the announcement , a senior administration official outlined a trilateral grouping that was security focused, suggesting it was different from - but complementary to - arrangements such as the Quad.
WHAT IS ASEAN :-
ASEAN brings together ten Southeast Asian states – Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam – into one organisation. "The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was formed in 8 august 1967."