- AUKUS members are considering cooperation with Japan on Pillar II advanced capabilities projects.
- About AUKUS
- AUKUS is a trilateral security partnership formed in 2021 between USA, UK and Australia.
- It is intended to strengthen the ability of each government to support security and defense interests.
- AUKUS has two primary lines of effort:
- Pillar I – Conventionally Armed, Nuclear-Powered Submarines: Under it, UK and USA are helping Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarines.
- Pillar II – Advanced Capability Development: Focused on developing joint capabilities to enhance interoperability with focus on cyber capabilities, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and additional undersea capabilities etc.
- Impact of AUKUS in Indo-pacific region
- It will counter Chinese influence and maintain a balance of power in the region.
- It may increase militarization and the risk of regional tensions escalating in the region.
- Raises concerns about nuclear proliferation.
- AUKUS is different from Quad, another strategic grouping in Indo-Pacific, as it focuses primarily on defence partnership while focus of Quad is broader.
- Quad or Quadrilateral Security Dialogue is a group of US, Australia, India, and Japan which commits for a free, open, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.