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Joe Biden in the White House, joined by Scott Morrison (left) and Boris Johnson
Photo: Oliver Contreras / POOL / EPA
The USA, Great Britain and Australia have forged a security pact for the strategically important Indo-Pacific region. US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Australian colleague Scott Morrison presented the partnership on Wednesday, Biden spoke in the White House, Johnson and Morrison were connected via video. It is about securing peace and stability in the region in the long term, said Biden and warned of "rapidly developing threats" in the Indo-Pacific region.
As part of the agreement, the Washington government plans to enable Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines.
Together with Great Britain, engineers, strategists and the military are to be examined over the next 18 months as to what is the "best way" for Australia to maintain such modern submarines.
That said a senior White House representative.
The US government had previously agreed to share this "extremely confidential" technology - that was the case with Great Britain around 70 years ago, the official said.
Submarines powered by a nuclear reactor would enable Australia to operate submarines continuously for longer, they are also quieter and have more capabilities than conventional ones.
"We're not talking about nuclear-armed submarines," Biden said.
"These are conventional submarines that are powered by nuclear power."
The establishment of »AUKUS« - a »historic step«, says Biden
Scott Morrison stated, “We will continue to fulfill our nuclear non-proliferation commitments.” He also said, “In order to meet the challenges in the Indo-Pacific region and to ensure the security and stability our region needs, we must build on our partnership raise a new level. "
The US government and Australia are concerned about China's increasing claim to power in the Indo-Pacific region.
However, Biden, Morrison and Johnson did not mention China by name.
"The aim is to work hand in hand to maintain security and stability in the Indo-Pacific," said the British Prime Minister.
It is one of the most complex and technically demanding projects in the world that will stretch over decades and require the most advanced technology.
Australia is a "related nation" with which to share this technology, Johnson said.
The initiative of the three states is to be called »AUKUS«, based on the English abbreviations of the participating countries.
It was a "historic step," said Biden.
Australia had already signed a multi-billion dollar contract with France in 2016 to build twelve new submarines. The French offer, according to which the submarines should be delivered from 2030, prevailed against one of the German competitor Thyssenkrupp. The Shortfin Barracuda submarine fleet to be built in Australia was the largest military acquisition in the country's history. It was initially unclear on Wednesday how the existing plan should be reconciled with the new cooperation with the USA and Great Britain.
Unlike Great Britain, Australia is not a member of the western defense alliance NATO, but is considered a close partner of the organization.
Australia has participated in NATO military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.
In addition to the bilateral relationship, the USA and Australia are also linked by the so-called "Five Eyes" partnership of the secret services.
The alliance includes Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Great Britain and the USA.
Biden also relies on an alliance called "Quad" for security and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
The quartet includes Australia, India, Japan and the USA.
Biden will see the Alliance's leaders at the White House next week.
Biden forgets Morrison's name
There was a minor glitch with the virtual switch of the three heads of government.
Joe Biden wanted to thank his two partners - but only one name came to mind.
"Thank you, Boris and ..." Biden said, followed by a long silence.
“And I want to thank this guy Down Under too.
Thank you bro."
aar / dpa / Reuters