Former Labor foreign affairs minister Bob Carr argues that the $368 billion AUKUS pact has been reduced to a “diplomatic joke,” saying officials in Canberra and Washington admit the United States will never build and sell nuclear submarines to Australia. Carr, a vocal critic of the deal, predicts that American‑operated vessels will instead be stationed at Australian bases, with any future transfer of Virginia‑class submarines likely to be blocked by a future U.S. president over concerns about China’s military strength. He contends the two countries are “living a lie” over the agreement’s promises.
Exclusive: Former Labor foreign affairs minister says $368bn deal has been reduced to a diplomatic jokeGet our daily political email, free app or daily news podcastThe former Labor foreign affairs minister Bob Carr says officials in Canberra and Washington acknowledge that the US will never build and sell nuclear submarines to Australia, describing the $368bn Aukus agreement as the two countries “living a lie”.Carr, a leading critic of the deal, expects American-operated vessels will instead be stationed at bases in Australia, with a future US president likely to determine that China’s military might would make it too difficult for three or more Virginia-class nuclear submarines to be transferred to Australia.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s Politics, really newsletter here Continue reading...
