Former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison will make the case for the AUKUS pact. Or rather, he’ll be doing it in front of a committee of the United States Congress. This momentous development follows on the 2021 announcement of the trilateral maritime security partnership. It was originally announced by US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The trilateral AUKUS security agreement significantly escalates military cooperation between Australia and the U.S. Australia is spending $4.5 billion to develop new American defense manufacturing capacity—especially in heavy industrial capability to produce submarines.
Australia now estimates its submarine deal, the sub part of the AUKUS initiative, will cost up to $368 billion… eventually. This significant financial commitment will play out over the next several decades. The collaboration is intended to enhance regional security in light of escalating tensions within the Indo-Pacific region. It intentionally targets countering China’s malign actions in the region. Morrison’s upcoming appearance is intended to help build support. This is as the Biden administration is in the midst of its own review of the pact, supposedly evaluating it through the lens of “common sense, America First criteria.”
Background of the AUKUS Pact
The AUKUS pact was born of necessity to rapidly evolving international security realities. In particular, it directly answers to China’s increasing assertiveness in the region. This deal is a unique demonstration of the strength of trilateral cooperation between Australia, the UK, and the US. Jointly, they’ll work to drive the future of technology and innovate military defense.
At a joint press conference with Biden and Johnson, Morrison announced this partnership in 2021. In his short message, he underscored the need for closer defense integration among allies. Since its creation, Morrison has been deeply involved with US policy makers. He’s hosted opportunities with former President Donald Trump to promote adoption of the pact and address critics’ concerns about the deal’s ramifications.
Morrison stated, “I mean, there’s a review underway, and I think he’ll take notice of what Bridge Colby says, and I think we need to engage with that and make the case again.” This strong statement highlights Prime Minister Albanese’s focus on making sure AUKUS stays on course even in changing and uncertain political times.
Current Developments in Congress
This month, the select committee on China has increased its lobbying efforts to promote AUKUS. In fact, to amp up their effort, they recently called on US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The committee is chaired by Republican John Moolenaar and ranking Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi. Jointly, these two organizations and these two leaders wrote the letter supporting that agreement. They highlighted recent developments in Chinese military operations, including the deployment of aircraft carriers into the western Pacific, as significant threats to regional stability.
The NYT letter cited the recent live-fire drills that China conducted in the Tasman Sea earlier this year as worrisome. US lawmakers are actually coalescing around AUKUS. They see it as a critical instrument to help them combat China’s growing military might. This would be the first Asian trade agreement for which support from key congressional committee chairs has run so deep. They argue it is good for Australia and for US national security interests.
Australia’s Position on Defense Priorities
As the Australian government has said, it remains confident about the future of the AUKUS pact amid continued criticism. Morrison stressed that the Biden administration’s review is a normal part of the process. He promised that this does not mean that there are fundamental issues with the content of the agreement. Earlier this year, Australia paid its first installment of almost USD 800 million to kick-start its investment in US submarine-building capacity.
There are still very real and valid concerns over Australia’s defense budget which threatens to turn into a sore spot in talks around AUKUS. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese always made it clear that Australia will determine its own defence priorities. He stated unequivocally that outside pressure will not shape these calls.
Morrison has made it clear that he wants to “refocus and recalibrate” the partnership. He wants to ensure that it is fully aligned with the strategic objectives of both countries. He stressed that AUKUS needs to grow and adapt with changes in geopolitical focus and capacity, underscoring Trump’s future role in enabling this development.
