China’s double standard on subs

While encouraging Australia to deepen its security relationship with the US, while also pursuing high-level dialogue with China, former US secretary of state Henry Kissinger made another vital point in his exclusive interview with The Weekend Australian. In navigating relations with China, the US and its allies must maintain strength so China’s authority is matched, Dr Kissinger, now 99, says in Inquirer. At the same time, China should be respected as a participant in the international order.

Unfortunately, while China is building up its military strength across the Asia-Pacific, it is rattled by other nations, including Australia, moving to defend their interests. That is evident from China’s latest efforts to undermine Australia’s AUKUS agreement with the US and Britain. Beijing has reiterated its objections to AUKUS in a 32-page report, “A Dangerous Conspiracy: The Nuclear Proliferation Risk of the Nuclear-powered Submarines Collaboration in the Context of AUKUS”. It will take the report to a UN conference in New York on August 1 as part of its efforts to block or delay the AUKUS pact. The centrepiece of its attack is the false claim, promptly shot down by Australia, that AUKUS is a furtive ­attempt to get nuclear weapons. A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokeswoman made it clear Australia was not seeking nuclear weapons: “Australia’s decision to acquire conventionally armed, ­nuclear-powered submarines is something we are pursuing openly and transparently.’’

The UN conference, the 10th Review Conference of Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, is shaping as a showdown between China, the US, UK and Australia. Beijing has a growing fleet of nuclear-powered subs, one of which reportedly recently stalked HMAS Parramatta in the East China Sea.

China’s fleet includes the People’s Liberation Army’s Navy Type 094 vessel, which can carry nuclear warheads and has a range of up to 9000km.