US to expedite nuclear-powered subs to Australia that will sit near China’s doorstep

The U.S. wants to fast-track outfitting Australia with nuclear submarines under the trilateral agreement between the U.S., Australia and the U.K. to beef up Australia’s submarine force aimed at countering Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific.

In the agreement, known as AUKUS, the U.S. will sell up to five Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines to Australia — slated for delivery as soon as 2032. Additionally, Australia and the U.K. will then coordinate to build additional attack submarines for Australia's fleet.

But President Donald Trump told reporters that he is eyeing a faster timeline, when asked if he was interested in speeding up the process...