WASHINGTON: The United States, Britain, and Australia are set to announce talks on Monday regarding the expansion of their AUKUS security pact, with a focus on integrating Japan into the alliance as a counterbalance to China, reported the Financial Times.
The forthcoming announcement by the defense ministers of the three nations will pertain to “Pillar Two” of the pact, which entails collaborative efforts in developing technologies such as quantum computing, undersea capabilities, hypersonic missiles, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, according to sources familiar with the matter cited by the newspaper.
However, the expansion will not extend to the first pillar, which involves supplying Australia with nuclear-powered attack submarines, as reported by the FT.
AUKUS, introduced in 2023 by the trio, is part of their strategy to counter China’s expanding influence in the Indo-Pacific region. China has criticized the pact, labeling it as perilous and warning of potential regional arms escalation.
President Joe Biden has been advocating for enhanced partnerships with US allies in Asia, including Japan and the Philippines, amidst China’s significant military buildup and assertiveness in territorial disputes.
Rahm Emanuel, the outspoken US ambassador in Tokyo, suggested in a recent opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal that Japan is likely to become the first additional partner in Pillar Two.
While a senior US administration official hinted at an imminent announcement regarding Japan’s involvement, details were not disclosed.
Discussions on expanding AUKUS to include Japan are anticipated during Biden’s meeting with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Washington on Wednesday, according to a source familiar with the talks.
However, Australia is reportedly cautious about launching new initiatives until further progress is made on delivering nuclear-powered submarines.
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles has indicated a willingness to involve close partners in AUKUS Pillar II as progress is made on defense and security capabilities.
While the US is eager for Japanese participation in Pillar Two, challenges remain, particularly regarding Japan’s cyberdefense capabilities and safeguarding of classified information.
US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell emphasized the importance of Japan enhancing its cyberdefenses and accountability for classified information.
The United States has long anticipated the inclusion of additional European and Asian countries in the second pillar of AUKUS.
Decisions regarding participation in Pillar Two will be made by the three AUKUS members, with considerations based on the contributions each country can offer to the project.
Campbell suggested that other nations have expressed interest in joining AUKUS, with further announcements expected in the coming week.
Additionally, Campbell noted that the AUKUS submarine project could serve as a deterrent against potential Chinese aggression towards Taiwan.
Biden, Kishida, and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. are scheduled to hold a trilateral summit on Thursday.
