AUKUS partnership conceived as Australia's relationship with China deteriorated

 

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 The genesis of trilateral partnership with the United States and the United Kingdom occurred as Australia’s relationship with China began to deteriorate, says Sky News Political Editor Andrew Clennell.

The agreement, announced on Thursday, will see the trio of nations share defence capabilities whilst also pledging to jointly develop security technology in the wake of China’s growing global assertiveness.

“As I understand it, the government’s been working away at officials’ level for about 18 months on this which roughly coincides with when the COVID crisis hit and our relationship with China began to deteriorate.,” said Mr Clennell.

“And make no mistake, this is about a deterrent against what has been perceived by the government as the Chinese threat.

“(Prime Minister) Scott Morrison’s view at the moment is that the days of two per cent of our GDP being our defence budget are over, and he needs to very much get in with the US and the UK.”

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