Australia has pledged a significant contribution of 4.6 billion Australian dollars (equivalent to $3 billion) to support the construction of nuclear-powered submarines in collaboration with the United Kingdom and the United States under the AUKUS agreement. This move aims to ensure the timely delivery of the new vessels.

Senior officials from the UK and Australia, along with the US ambassador to Australia, visited the naval shipyard in Adelaide, South Australia, where the submarines will be built.

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles, joined by his British counterpart Grant Shapps and the foreign ministers of both countries, emphasized the swift progress in making this initiative a reality.

Grant Shapps highlighted the geopolitical context, stating, "Nuclear-powered submarines are costly, but in today's increasingly assertive global landscape, particularly with the rise of China, and other tensions in regions like the Middle East and Europe, they are necessary for security."

This announcement follows the recent signing of a defense pact between Australia and the UK, aimed at addressing security challenges, notably China's growing presence in the South China Sea and the Pacific.

The AUKUS alliance, unveiled in 2021, outlined plans for Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines. The 10-year plan involves enhancing capacity at the Rolls-Royce factory in Derby, UK, where the submarines' nuclear reactors will be manufactured. The actual construction of the submarines will take place at BAE Systems in Adelaide, South Australia.

These submarines, based primarily on a British design, will incorporate a US weapons system. Australia's objective is to have eight nuclear-powered vessels operational by the 2050s, a combination of domestically produced AUKUS-class submarines and those acquired from the US.

Marles stressed the continuity of submarine production in Australia, stating that a regular stream of AUKUS-class submarines will be manufactured domestically every few years.

These nuclear-powered submarines promise enhanced stealth capabilities and the ability to cover vast distances without surfacing, a significant upgrade from Australia's current diesel fleet.

China has expressed concerns over the AUKUS agreement, fearing an escalation in arms race in the Asia Pacific region. In recent years, Beijing has intensified military activities, including navy modernization and territorial assertiveness in the South China Sea, disregarding international rulings on territorial disputes.

Moreover, Beijing has increased its assertiveness regarding Taiwan, as evidenced by the recent detection of numerous Chinese military aircraft around the island.

The developments surrounding the AUKUS agreement and China's response underscore the evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Asia Pacific region.

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