China Says AUKUS Nuclear Sub Cooperation 'May Spark Arms Race'

MNI (London) - Comments from the Chinese Defence Ministry talking of heightened tensions in the Indo-Pacific, stating that the "Australia-Britain-US [AUKUS] nuclear submarine cooperation may spark [an] arms race." Adds that "Once 'Pandora's Box' [is] opened, regional strategic balance will be disrupted, regional security will be seriously threatened."

• Seen as a response to the AUKUS announcement that the US and UK would provide a pathway for Australia to obtain three to five nuclear-powered subs by the early 2030's, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang stated earlier this week that China would be willing to sign an ASEAN treaty to keep nuclear weapons out of southeast Asia.
• Qin: “China is willing to take the lead in signing the protocol to the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone treaty and advocate with Asean for solidarity and win-win cooperation to safeguard regional security and stability.”
• While the US is looking to provision Australia with nuclear-powered subs and other technologies, China is seeking to portray its actions as those of a country looking to de-escalate, not escalate, tensions.