AUKUS Submarine Project Could Deter Chinese Move Against Taiwan, Says US Diplomat

The AUKUS submarine project, unveiled by Australia, Britain, and the U.S. in 2023, has garnered attention due to its potential impact on regional dynamics, particularly in relation to China and Taiwan.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell recently highlighted the possible implications of the AUKUS submarine capabilities for the region, specifically referencing the cross-strait circumstances involving Taiwan and China. According to Campbell, the new submarine capabilities could contribute to enhancing peace and stability, particularly in the strait that separates China and Taiwan.

International Partnerships

President Joe Biden's administration has been actively seeking to strengthen partnerships with allies in Asia, such as Japan and the Philippines, in response to China's growing military presence and assertiveness in territorial disputes. The upcoming summit in Washington, scheduled for April 11, where President Biden will host Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, is expected to further solidify these partnerships.

During the summit, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Campbell anticipates a significant modernization of the U.S.-Japan relationship, as well as increased trilateral engagement among the U.S., Japan and the Philippines. This engagement is likely to involve closer coordination and collaboration, particularly in areas such as the South China Sea, where tensions have been escalating.

Security Partnership and Defense Equipment

The summit with Japan is anticipated to lead to a historic update of the security partnership between the U.S. and Japan. Additionally, there are expectations for steps that will enable the two countries to work more collaboratively on joint development and potentially co-production of vital military and defense equipment.

Regarding the situation in Ukraine, Deputy Secretary of State Campbell mentioned that the U.S. government has assessed China's assistance to Moscow, facilitating Russia's significant military reconstitution after initial setbacks in the Ukraine war.

These developments underscore the complex and evolving dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region, as well as the broader implications of international partnerships and military capabilities on regional stability.