Aukus: UK and Australia speak out over US review of submarine deal
Downing Street has responded to reports of a US review of the Aukus defence pact with the UK and Australia, deeming it "understandable" for America to assess the project.
The review, led by Elbridge Colby, has raised concerns that a future Trump administration might withdraw from the agreement if it does not align with an "America first" agenda.
A UK Government spokesperson downplayed the possibility of the US pulling out, highlighting Aukus as "one of the most strategically important partnerships in decades."
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles stated he had known about the review for some time and welcomes it, noting the UK and Australia also reviewed the deal after their elections.
Despite some questioning the deal, the US ambassador to London, Warren Stephens, has backed Aukus, and Australia has already made the first of six $500 million payments to the U.S. to bolster American submarine manufacturing.
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