World Leaders React To US-UK-Australia Nuclear Submarine Deal

The new security partnership between the US, UK and Australia — titled "AUKUS" — has sparked backlash from various world leaders who feel compromised by the alliance. Announced by President Joe Biden on Wednesday, the alliance between the three English-speaking nations is meant to strengthen their security interests through cooperation on defense technology. AUKUS' first major initiative will be to supply Australia with a new nuclear-powered submarine fleet, resulting in the cancellation of Australia's $90 billion deal with France to build submarines. Describing the partnership as “treason in the making,” French ambassador Jean-Pierre Thebault said on Saturday that Australia has made a “huge mistake” that showcased “unacceptable behavior between allies and partners.” The French Embassy also canceled an event that would have recognized the 240th anniversary of a Revolutionary War battle, an event that symbolized strong cooperation between the U.S. and France. While Australia is not looking to develop its own nuclear weapons, New Zealand was absent from the deal due to its nuclear-free policy; Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern stated Thursday that Australia's nuclear submarines will be banned from New Zealand waters.

Most stories across the spectrum noted how the AUKUS partnership has "aggravated already tense relations" with China. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian called on the alliance to abandon their "outdated Cold War zero-sum mentality and narrow-minded geopolitical stability," indicating that their deal has "intensified the arms race."