| Today the Australian Government took another step in locking Australia into the AUKUS pact, despite the promise to consult and not finalise a decision until after 2023, undermining the democratic process and threatening stability in the region.
AUKMIN talks held this week between British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, and Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Defence Minister Peter Dutton, seem likely to lock Australia into a significant military build-up as part of the AUKUS pact without adequate public engagement.
Among the list of talking points for the meeting is the possible basing of British nuclear submarines in Australia, a decision that would radically change Australian foriegn policy and stability in the region.
Acquiring US or British nuclear submarines is only one element in this ‘road to conflict’ with billions being spent on tanks, other ground vehicles, the contentious F-35 fighter and more.
IPAN spokesperson Vince Scappatura said: “This is another step towards an intensifying a military build-up aimed at China and involving the US, Australia and the UK despite ASEAN countries expressing disquiet over the AUKUS pact.”
“The question must be asked which major cities’ ports might be used to station nuclear submarines? and what contingency plans are in place to manage either a nuclear accident or in fact a military attack on those vessels?”
“Billions more are being allocated for military infrastructure such as aircraft refuelling facilities and extended runways which concentrates much of the build-up in the Top End – closest to China.”
“Clearly, the world is becoming an ever-more dangerous place, and Australia and its allies seem oblivious to what is increasingly obvious to most people, that global health, the pandemic and climate change are much more important than watering the seeds of conflict.”
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Media liaison: ipan.australia@gmail.com or 0428 973 324 |
