[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] Ben Wallace, the UK Secretary of Defense, stated that 'AUKUS' does not signify a new Cold War with China nor is it intended to send a message to China.
On the 16th (local time), Secretary Wallace made these remarks in an interview with British broadcasters, AFP reported.
AUKUS is a new security partnership launched by the UK together with the United States and Australia. It aims to strengthen security cooperation and deepen information technology sharing in the Indo-Pacific region, with its first initiative supporting Australia's acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines.
When asked if AUKUS is part of a new Cold War with China, Wallace responded, "I think calling it a Cold War is an old-fashioned way," adding, "It is not about sending a message to China."
He added that AUKUS does not include any nuclear weapons-related content. Considering the scale and pace of China's naval and air force military spending, he said Australia's decision is reasonable and that AUKUS will invigorate the UK's defense industry.
Wallace also sought to soothe France, which strongly opposed and felt betrayed after the submarine contract with Australia was canceled due to AUKUS.
He explained, "I understand France's disappointment over the contract termination," but emphasized, "The launch of AUKUS is not a betrayal of France," clarifying that the decision was made by Australia.
China reacted strongly to the three countries launching AUKUS and supporting Australia's acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines, calling it a "double standard" and an "extremely irresponsible act."
Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commented at a regular briefing that "The US and UK collaborating with Australia on nuclear submarine projects seriously undermines regional peace and stability, intensifies the arms race, and damages international nuclear non-proliferation efforts."
He criticized, "The US and UK exporting high-level nuclear submarine technology to Australia is using nuclear exports as a tool in geopolitical games, applying double standards," calling it "an extremely irresponsible act."
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