Australia may have to defend against criticisms from regional neighbours concerning its AUKUS submarine deal and the possibility of developing nuclear weapons.
Indonesia has issued a forceful warning about the dangers of sharing nuclear propulsion technology ahead of a high-profile United Nations meeting that is expected to scrutinise Australia's plans to develop nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS pact.Indonesia is concerned that shared nuclear technology for submarines could lead to the development of nuclear weapons
The draft working paper does not directly reference Australia, and Indonesian officials have reportedly said that it's not a direct response to the AUKUS pact. "Indonesia views any cooperation involving the transfer of nuclear materials and technology for military purposes from nuclear-weapon states to any non-nuclear weapon states as increasing the associated risks [of] catastrophic humanitarian and environmental consequences."
However, Indonesia's submission warns that the exclusion of nuclear naval propulsion from the treaty regulations "could be exploited to provide a shield for diversion of that material to [a] nuclear weapons program".Benjamin Zala from the Australian National University said the concerns raised by Indonesia "echo the general uneasiness among non-proliferation advocates about the precedent that the AUKUS submarines project sets".
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
‘Everything on the table’: France, Australia renew military ties after subs falloutAustralia has chosen a “much more difficult” option by pursuing nuclear-powered submarines over conventional vessels, a leading French naval commander has warned.
Read more »
‘Everything on the table’: France, Australia renew military ties after subs falloutAustralia has chosen a “much more difficult” option by pursuing nuclear-powered submarines over conventional vessels, a leading French naval commander has warned. auspol
Read more »
Risk of nuclear war from cutting off China and Russia, says security tsarSir Stephen Lovegrove, the UK’s national security adviser, says backdoor channels have deteriorated
Read more »
Morrison warns against caving to China’s ‘arc of autocracy’Former prime minister Scott Morrison has again used an international speech to warn of China’s coercive presence in the Indo Pacific as he framed AUKUS and the Quad as key to maintain regional security.
Read more »