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The Diplomat
04-08-2025
- Business
- The Diplomat
As the US Rethinks AUKUS, Australia and the UK Forge Ahead
While the U.S. reviews AUKUS, amid pessimism about its feasibility, Canberra and London are tightening their strategic partnership. Amid the Trump administration's ongoing review of the AUKUS trilateral security pact, Canberra paid Washington $800 million as the second 2025 installment for submarine capability and capacity development. Australian and British regulators also met in England to update their Memorandum of Cooperation for enhanced information sharing on the nuclear submarine sector. A 50-year bilateral Nuclear-Powered Submarine Partnership and Collaboration Agreement was signed in the same week during the 15th AUKMIN held in Geelong, Australia. Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell brushed off the idea that the bilateral treaty would cause annoyance in Washington. 'The message that the Americans will get out of this is that the other two parties to AUKUS are very, very supportive of the continuation of the project,' he argued. Commencement of the Geelong Treaty negotiations was announced at the trilateral AUKUS defense ministerial meeting in September 2024. While focusing on the establishment of strategic and operational frameworks for the delivery of AUKUS' nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs), the treaty signifies London and Canberra's extended commitment to strengthening the resilience of submarine industrial bases across the two nations well beyond the AUKUS timeline, which looks to have eight SSN submarines built in Australia by the 2060s. The treaty also strikes a chord with the U.K.'s Strategic Defense Review published in June, announcing the enhancement of British submarine production with up to 12 SSNs by producing a submarine every 18 months. The renewed defense vision by the British government pays particular attention to Pillar 2 of AUKUS against the backdrop of 'a new era of threat,' underscoring the need to forge closer industrial and technological partnerships with the US for defense capability upgrades. Pillar 1 of AUKUS focuses on developing shipbuilding capacities of the three nations, which includes Australia's acquisition of its first SSNs. Pillar 2 focuses on joint development of eight advanced military capability areas such as autonomy, artificial intelligence (AI), electromagnetic warfare, modelling, and simulation. The United States' Reassessment While Australia and the U.K. push forward, the Pentagon is undertaking a review of the deal. One of the questions under scrutiny is whether the U.S. industrial base can support U.S. naval strategy in today's complex security environment. The current production rate of Virginia-class submarines stands at 1.13 per year – far from the rate of two per year necessary for fulfilling its own defense priorities and the 2.33/year rate necessary to deliver on its AUKUS promises. Under those circumstances, the U.S. commander-in-chief would not be able to sign off on relinquishing SSNs to Australia as scheduled per the AUKUS mandate. To make good on its AUKUS obligations, the U.S. shipbuilding industry is 'going to require a transformational improvement' with a '100 percent' boost in delivery pace, Adm. Daryl Caudle said on July 24, in a Senate hearing to consider his nomination as the next chief of naval operations. He particularly pointed out existing deficiencies of the U.S. Navy's undersea capability. Caudle told the U.S. Senate that 'the delivery pace is not where it needs to be to make good on the Pillar 1 of the AUKUS agreement, which is currently under review by our Defense Department.' Another sticking point for Washington is the commitment to collective defense among U.S. allies in light of the growing flashpoints across the Indo-Pacific. The Pentagon review is being led by U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby, an AUKUS skeptic who has pressed Australia on how it would act in a hypothetical China-U.S. conflict over Taiwan. Using his account on X, Colby also urged allies to step up defense spending, doubling down on the Trump administration's earlier call for Australia to raise defense spending to 3.5 percent of its GDP from 2.33 percent by 2033. However, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Cabinet continue to refrain from making further military and financial commitments. Prior to joining the Trump administration, Colby cast doubts over the United States' AUKUS deliverables during a January 2024 interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 'It would be crazy for the United States to give away its single most important asset for a conflict with China over Taiwan when it doesn't have enough already,' he said at the time. 'Money is not the only issue – it's also time, limits on our workforce, etc., so both sides of this vitally important alliance need to look reality in the face.' Despite the new Australia-U.K. treaty and memorandum, Australia's timely down payment, and Pillar 2 partnership envisagement, these reassuring moves did not allay the concerns that have Colby and the Pentagon rethinking AUKUS. China's Reactions Although there was no public mention of AUKUS being on the agenda in the meeting between Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and China's President Xi Jinping in July, China is seen making more subtle moves to counter the trilateral defense partnership in the region. While Albanese was in Chengdu as part of his second official visit to China as prime minister, China's Consul General in Sydney Wang Yu caught Newcastle Mayor Ross Kerridge by surprise on July 17, with a question on potential docking locations for AUKUS submarines. Australian federal government officials and senators have voiced concerns regarding national security being brought to city-level closed-door meet-and-greets. On the sidelines of the 58th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers' Meeting in July, China shared its intention to accede to ASEAN's Protocol to the Southeast Asian Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone Treaty. The treaty commits state parties not to develop, acquire, and station nuclear weapons. China emphasized in its announcement that the region is 'not an arena for major power rivalry.' The 10 ASEAN nations have been calling on the five nuclear weapon states – including both the U.S. and the U.K. – to ratify the treaty since 1997, and China expressed support as early as 1999. However, Beijing's latest confirmation that it will sign the treaty, after more than two decades of intent, could not only reinforce China's good neighborhood image without additional tangible commitments but also add to its toolbelt for discrediting nuclear-powered military partnerships in the region. A French (Re)involvement? As the Pentagon's AUKUS review prolongs, recent activities suggest France might be a keen onlooker of the development. Under the Lancaster House 2.0 and Northwood Declaration unveiled during French President Emmanuel Macron's recent state visit to the United Kingdom in July, nuclear coordination and cooperation were deepened between the two European nuclear powers. Their enhanced nuclear research, intelligence exchange, and overall defense capability could indirectly complement Pillar 2 of AUKUS – even without France joining. Additionally, France and the U.K. also agreed to strengthen maritime coordination in the Indo-Pacific through joint security training, reciprocal base access, and the launch of a new Global Maritime Security Dialogue. The renewed interest by the French government recognizes its shared responsibility in the region, given that more than 90 percent of France's Exclusive Economic Zone is in the Indo-Pacific. Subsequently, the French government revamped its Indo-Pacific strategy as a priority in July with an emphasis on strategic autonomy and sovereignty partnerships. Most prominently, Australia is now back on the list of 'priority strategic partners' after being taken out from France's 2022 strategy after AUKUS was formed. The new SSN partnership left France blindsided, as it also brought the cancellation of an Australia-France contract for diesel-electric submarines. Rebuilding Australia-France ties from that 'unprecedented new low' has been prioritized by the Albanese administration from the beginning. A $585 million settlement to the French Naval Group was agreed to less than a month after Albanese took office in July 2022, and a three-pillar roadmap was laid out soon after for their New Agenda for Bilateral Cooperation. French Ambassador Pierre-André Imbert did not rule out a future submarine deal with Australia as the French armed Forces joined the 19-nation military drill in Australian waters and Papua New Guinea in July. Australia has 'chosen AUKUS… If that changes – if they ask, we will see,' he said. 'The first pillar of our Cooperation is Defense and Security, so we have a very good level of cooperation.' Speculation and public anxiety continue to sprout with the Pentagon review expected to be concluded in the fall. In the meantime, calls for an Australian inquiry into the nation's largest-ever defense project are simmering. With high-profile figures like former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull expressing opposition to the deal. The path for Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines is likely to remain rocky, with the question at hand not being whether AUKUS should continue, but how. Calls for contingencies and deliverable assurances are rising as the pact comes under scrutiny.
The Hindu
12-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
ICG, Japan Coast Guard conclude joint exercise ‘JA-MATA' off Chennai coast
Japan Coast Guard (JCG) Training Ship Itsukushima concluded its week-long port call to Chennai as part of its Global Ocean Voyage Training on Saturday. According to the Indian Coast Guard, the visit culminated on July 12 with a joint sea exercise named JA-MATA (Japanese for 'we will meet again') conducted off the coast of Chennai. The exercise included coordinated manoeuvres such as boarding operations, station keeping, and firefighting drills—symbolising operational synergy and preparedness. ICG said that the ship, carrying over 50 trainee officers, undertook this visit to gain exposure to international maritime operations and enhance cooperation between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and JCG. During the five-day visit, the trainee officers and crew were hosted at various ICG facilities in Chennai, offering them valuable insights into the multifaceted operations of ICG. The interaction helped in professional exchange and mutual learning across all levels of personnel, said ICG. Vice Admiral Kanosue Hiroaki, Vice Commandant (Operations), Japan Coast Guard, led the delegation and participated in a range of professional and cultural engagements, including reciprocal visits and official calls. On July 7, the delegation called on Paramesh Sivamani, Director General, Indian Coast Guard, further cementing the long-standing ties between the two maritime forces, it said. These engagements are in alignment with the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) signed between India and Japan in 2006 and are part of ongoing capacity-building initiatives that underscore both nations' commitment to ensuring safety and security in the maritime domain.
India Gazette
12-07-2025
- General
- India Gazette
Japan Coast Guard Ship Itsukushima concludes successful visit to Chennai as part of global ocean voyage training
New Delhi [India], July 12 (ANI): Japan Coast Guard (JCG) Training Ship Itsukushima concluded a fruitful port call to Chennai from July 7 to 12 as part of its Global Ocean Voyage Training. The ship, carrying over 50 trainee officers, undertook this visit to gain exposure to international maritime operations and enhance cooperation between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and JCG, according to a PRO statement. During the five-day visit, the trainee officers and crew were hosted at various ICG facilities in Chennai, providing them with valuable insights into the multifaceted operations of the ICG. The interaction offered an enriching platform for professional exchange and mutual learning across all levels of personnel. According to a press statement, Vice Admiral Kanosue Hiroaki, Vice Commandant (Operations), Japan Coast Guard, led the delegation and participated in a range of professional and cultural engagements, including reciprocal visits and official calls. On 7th July, the delegation called on Director General Paramesh Sivamani, AVSM, PTM, TM, Director General Indian Coast Guard, further cementing the long-standing ties between the two maritime forces. These engagements are in alignment with the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) signed between India and Japan in 2006 and are part of ongoing capacity-building initiatives that underscore both nations' commitment to ensuring safety and security in the maritime domain. The visit culminated on 12th July with a joint sea exercise named JA-MATA (Japanese for 'we will meet again') conducted off the coast of Chennai. The exercise included coordinated manoeuvres such as boarding operations, station-keeping, and firefighting drills symbolising operational synergy and preparedness. The visit and associated activities were meticulously coordinated by Headquarters, Coast Guard Region East, under the leadership of Inspector General Datwinder Singh Saini, TM, Commander, Coast Guard Region (East). The camaraderie and shared spirit witnessed during the visit reinforce the deepening cooperation between the two Coast Guards in pursuit of a common goal: ensuring secure and peaceful seas. (ANI)
The Print
07-07-2025
- General
- The Print
Japan Coast Guard ship docks in city as part of global training
'This visit underscores the deep and enduring bond between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Japan Coast Guard (JCG), further strengthening the strategic partnership in the vital Indo-Pacific region and enhance inter-operability between the two renowned maritime forces,' it said. This visit was being coordinated by Headquarters, Coast Guard Region (East), headed by Inspector General Datwinder Singh Saini, a Coast Guard release here said. Chennai, Jul 7 (PTI) Japan Coast Guard Ship 'Itsukushima' arrived at the Chennai Port on Monday as part of its Global Ocean Voyage Training. On arrival at Chennai Port, the JCG Ship, commanded by Capt Naoki Mizoguchi, was given a ceremonial welcome in a traditional manner. During the stay at Chennai in the ensuing week, JCG Ship Itsukushima will participate in a number of activities, including official calls, reciprocal visits on-board ships and cultural and professional interactions, it said. Notable among the interactions will be the bilateral meet between ADG Donny Michael, TM, the Commander Coast Guard Eastern Seaboard and JCG delegates. The bilateral events include a joint session of Yoga and will conclude on June 12. The ship's next Port of Call will be Singapore. The visit of Japan Coast Guard ship was part of Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) signed between India and Japan in 2006 to promote interaction between the two Coast Guards, including high level visits, annual joint exercises, training exchanges and participation in short term workshops/seminars, it said. PTI SA SA KH This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
The Star
07-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
New partnership to enhance vocational education, training in Laos
A representative from the Lao School of Business and Commerce (left) and a representative from the LFND display the signed agreement in Vientiane last week. VIENTIANE: Young people from ethnic communities and families of Lao Front for National Development's (LFND) staff will have greater access to free vocational and language education under new cooperation agreements aimed at strengthening human resources and promoting inclusive development. The Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between the Research and Training Centre of the Central (LFND) and the Lao School of Business and Commerce (LSBC) and the Ethnic Technical and Vocational College was signed in Vientiane last week. The agreements outline long-term collaboration in scholarship provision, curriculum development, and skills training. Under the MoC with LSBC, the school will offer 95 full scholarships each year for a Higher Diploma in Business Administration. Of these, five are reserved for children of LFND central staff, while 90 are allocated to Grade 7 students from Vientiane and 17 provinces. LSBC will waive tuition fees for all recipients during the three-year programme. The school will also grant 100 percent tuition-free English language training to LFND employees and a 50 percent fee reduction for their spouses and children. It will provide six-monthly and annual reports to the LFND on student performance and academic progress. Meanwhile, the cooperation with the Ethnic Technical and Vocational College targets ethnic high school graduates, offering scholarships in Chinese-language higher education programmes. The college will award three scholarships per year for the first five years and six per year for the following 12 years, all with full tuition exemptions. To support this initiative, the LFND will assist in developing the college's campus in Viengkeo village, Xaythany district, coordinate with relevant authorities, and contribute political education content to the curriculum. Two LFND staff will be assigned to the college, and scholarship recipients' progress will be monitored regularly. Both colleges will work with the LFND to introduce short-term training courses in English, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean for staff, students, and the public. They also plan to carry out joint research to improve educational quality and better align with labour market needs. The MoC with LSBC is valid from 2025 to 2030, while the agreement with the Ethnic Technical and Vocational College will run from 2025 to 2040. These partnerships mark a significant step in expanding education opportunities and improving workforce readiness for communities across Laos. - Vientiane Times/ANN
