[The Epoch Times, February 03, 2023] (Comprehensive report by Epoch Times reporter Li Rui) Australian Foreign Minister Huang Yingxian hit back after the Chinese Communist Party made the latest accusation of the historic tripartite security partnership agreement (AUKUS) signed by Australia with the United Kingdom and the United States Said that AUKUS will contribute to a stable, prosperous, peaceful and respected Indo -Pacific region, and said that the CCP and North Korea are the main threats to regional stability.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning attacked Australia’s submarine procurement plans on Wednesday (February 1).
She said that AUKUS “essentially provokes military confrontation through military cooperation. It is a typical Cold War mentality, which increases the risk of nuclear proliferation, intensifies the arms race in the Asia-Pacific, and undermines regional peace and stability.”
Mr Wong told reporters in the UK on Thursday (Friday AEDT) that Australia must “resist attempts by other countries to hostile to our foreign and defense policy”.
“In a period of strategic competition, we must ensure that we define ourselves (the diplomatic and national defense stance) and are not swayed by other countries’ definitions.”
In a speech at King’s College London University on Wednesday, Australia’s foreign minister re-emphasized the historic AUKUS partnership as a key part of Canberra’s efforts to promote security, stability and strategic balance in the region.
“Australia believes our investment in future defense capabilities is critical to deter conflict and maintain strategic balance in the Indo-Pacific region,” she said.
“I have said many times that we face the most challenging strategic environment since the war.”
“Our region is the largest military buildup in the world during this period, with limited transparency and security.”
In her speech, she said that China and North Korea are the main threats to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
“North Korea conducted more than 60 ballistic missile launches last year. In August last year, it was reported that five Chinese ballistic missiles fell into Japan’s exclusive economic zone,” she stressed.
“If conflict broke out in the Indo-Pacific region, it would be catastrophic for our people and regional prosperity,” she said.
Australian Defense Minister: AUKUS will help strengthen Australia ‘s sovereignty
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles, who is visiting the UK with Australian Foreign Minister Huang Yingxian, is conducting final negotiations on Australia’s acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines.
(James Ross/AAP Image)
Mars is on his way to the United States after holding talks with his British counterparts and the British prime minister.
In a joint news conference with Australia’s foreign minister on Thursday (Friday AEDT), Mars said AUKUS “is a momentous moment in the history of our country”.
He said AUKUS would change Australia’s “international standing, greatly enhance Australia’s capabilities and with it our sovereignty”.
He added that what AUKUS really meant meant the oldest relationship between Australia and Britain was now given a very comprehensive agenda.
The Australian government will unveil in March its plans to acquire nuclear-powered submarines through the AUKUS tripartite security agreement.
ABC reported that Australian Prime Minister Albanese is expected to introduce Australia’s AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine program in detail next month in the United States with US President Biden and British Prime Minister Sunak.