AUKUS subs deal ‘could worsen US shortfall, blunt China deterrence’

News Snapshot:

The release of the report bolsters US Republicans in their demands for the White House for more funding to boost American production of submarines before agreeing to transfer Virginia-class boats to Australia. It also coincides with senior Albanese government ministers quelling a grassroots and union backlash to AUKUS at the Labor Party’s national conference last week by warning a military build-up was needed to deter China. As part of AUKUS, the US will sell at least three and up to five Virginia-class submarines to Australia from the early 2030s to avoid a capability gap between the retirement of the Collins-class...