Practice of Cold War Tactics Under AUKUS Nuclear Alliance: China’s Security and Regional Predicaments

Abstract

An important security agreement was declared on September 15, 2021, named AUKUS. The strategic alliance between the US, UK, and Australia aims to share advanced defense technology, information sharing and provide Australian forces with nuclear-powered submarines. Focus intensifies on the partnership's ultimate objective and its potential consequences for other nations, especially: What are Chinese and ASEAN security implications of AUKUS alliance; and how it has reshaped the regional security structure? This paper is aimed to analyse the China’s and ASEAN strategic calculation of AUKUS alliance. Since, China perceives itself as the focal point of the newly formed alliance. The ASEAN typically perceives the announcement of AUKUS as exacerbating the geopolitical situation in the region, however individual reactions may differ. The key findings of the papers show that China objects to the deal, contending that the existence of the trilateral AUKUS alliance has the potential to harm the security framework; polarization of region; destabilize the established balance of power mechanism; incite a competition for weapons; and undermine the concept of international non-proliferation especially the Nuclear Free Zone status of ASEAN region as a result of the advancement of nuclear technology. This study employs qualitative research methodology, using both primary and secondary data sources.

         Keywords: AUKUS, US, UK, Australia, China, ASEAN, Indo-Pacific, Nuclear-Powered-Submarine (SSN) Technology.