‘Not a defence alliance’: Australia looks to assuage Asean’s concerns over Aukus nuclear subs deal


Source: scmp.com scmp.com

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Australia on Monday sought to assuage regional anxieties over its plans to acquire nuclear-powered submarines through a joint arrangement with Britain and the United States , with Canberra’s envoy to Asean saying the agreement was “not a defence alliance or pact”. In a statement, Will Nankervis said the arrangement would not change “Australia’s commitment to Asean nor our ongoing support for the Asean-led regional infrastructure”. Canberra was committed to continuing to foster a “peaceful, secure region” with the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations at its centre, Jakarta-based Nankervis said. His comments follow expressions of concern by Indonesia and Malaysia...