[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] As the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia form a new security partnership called 'AUKUS' and decide to support Australia with nuclear-powered submarine technology, AUKUS has agreed to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the construction of nuclear submarines.
According to foreign media on the 15th (local time), the IAEA announced in a statement that AUKUS has notified it of a tripartite security cooperation relationship that allows access to the United States' nuclear submarine construction technology.
The IAEA stated, "An important goal of this cooperation is to maintain the nuclear non-proliferation regime and Australia's exemplary non-proliferation credentials," adding, "(AUKUS) has notified that it will cooperate with the IAEA throughout next month."
BAE Systems, a British defense contractor that builds British nuclear submarines, also announced on the same day that it is ready to support AUKUS.
A BAE Systems spokesperson said, "As a company holding a significant position in three markets, we are prepared to provide support as discussions within AUKUS progress."
Australia is reported to plan the construction of eight nuclear submarines under the new AUKUS agreement.
The United States, which had not supported nuclear-powered submarine technology to any country other than the United Kingdom since 1958, has exceptionally decided to support Australia with nuclear submarine technology through the AUKUS agreement.
This is interpreted as an intention to strengthen military power and consolidate alliances in the Indo-Pacific region to counter China.
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