By Jim Hayes
AUKUS was never a good deal for Australia. Joining in an effort to target China, which is at the heart of this agreement is not in anyone’s interests, but the geopolitical ambitions of the United States. Besides, China is Australia’s biggest trading partner. Taking the anti-China position isolates Australia from the Asia-Pacific nations, most of which are taking the opposite road, isolates Australia from much of the world, and this has an economic as well as political costs.
AUKUS specifically, drains billions from needed government services and programs to have American nuclear-powered submarines stationed in Australia. The $368 billion and rising deal does not even supply submarines under Australian control. They will remain under orders from the United States military. Australia is only given the right to foot the bill. The fact that such a deal was so enthusiastically accepted by the nations perimammary leadership speaks volumes about their subservient relationship with a foreign government.
Even if these were to be acquired and put under Australian command, this is not what is needed to defend the nation. The AUKUS submarines are designed to Participate in military deployment to other parts of the world. They are part of the United States’ determination to maintain naval control over the Indian and Pacific oceans. They are not suitable for the protection of Australia’s borders.
This sis assuming they are delivered. The Trump administration has made this increasingly doubtful. Even the previous Biden administration cast doubt on it. The British, who have contracts relating to the building of the submarines, are now casting their own doubts.
As the United Sates becomes increasing political and economically unstable, a foreign policy built around being junior partner to Washington, under all conditions, makes less sense than ever. Continuing down this road spells disaster ahead.
A far wiser course would be to pursue an independent position that abstains from taking part in power politics. Australia’s interests lie in building good relations with everyone on a foundation of mutual respect, equality, fairness, and a shared future. Australia’s interests lie in a world no longer prey to superpower rivalry, and the right of all nations to independently make their own decisions and charter the future that they want.
This is where Australia is currently failing. Our government and opposition have joined in disregarding the fact that Australia is not in favour of AUKUS and wants an end to the deal. If these politicians claim to represent us, let them prove it by listening and scrapping AUKUS. The excuses have run their course.