Photo : SCMP
IN FOCUS
The AUKUS agreement between the US, UK and Australia
By Vaishnavi Iyer
Announcing a historic pact, Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom have decided on security cooperations, in an effort to counter China. The trilateral programme is focused on knowledge sharing of nuclear-powered submarines. Australia, being the primary beneficiary in the deal, is looking at modernizing its security challenges over the next decade. The pact is deemed the most significant between the three countries post the second World war. The pact will enable the US and UK to share cutting edge technology with Australia, including artificial intelligence and quantum technologies. Essentially, it will consist of security and military capability enhancements.
The three countries did not explicitly mention China as the counter force but insisted on having to provide for a solid strategy against the growing threats in the Indo Pacific region. China has been flexing its military muscle in the region near the South China Sea to Ladakh. The alliance has deemed the move necessary to push high skilled jobs and maritime security.
The United States will be sharing its nuclear submarine technology after 50 years. The eight nuclear powered submarines will be in operation by the Royal Australian Navy. In the future Australia is set to acquire long range missiles for its armed forces. Australia has reassured that it doesn't aim to obtain nuclear weapons.
The move has been largely discouraged by China and has been deemed as 'damaging'. The country highlighted the consequence of a looming arms race leading to international distrust. France has expressed dissatisfaction with Australia for the consequent cancellation of submarine building alliance between the two countries. Australia was set to receive 12 attack-class submarines from France, which has now been terminated. The UK still insists that relations with France are solid. France reports complications of relations with Australia and the US calling the move a 'stab in the back'. The France-Australia deal was in fact reaffirmed two weeks ago, without any indication of the coming AUKUS. France predicts a harsh future legal battle with Australia over the contract. France also attacked the concerning 'American behaviour' citing Biden's decision to be a reflection of his predecessor Trump's unpredictability. This pact also allows for separate operations of these three countries from the Five Eyes. The following alliance hints at a powerful shift in region. Despite being a part of the QUAD, the formation of AUKUS highlights a larger power play in the region.
References:
1. Krishn Kaushik, "Explained: The AUKUS agreement to equip Australia with n-subs, and why it has upset France", Indian Express, 17 September 2021.
2. Suranjana Tewari, "Aukus: UK, US and Australia pact signals Asia-Pacific power shift", BBC, 16 September 2021.
3. "The Guardian view on the Aukus defence pact: taking on China", The Guardian, September 16 2021.
IN BRIEF
by Joeana Cera Mathews
REGIONAL
Poland: Warsaw asked to change rape definition, unrestrict media
On 16 September, Poland was criticized by European institutions for its various legal and human rights violations. The Council of Europe (CoE) - Europe’s leading human rights organization - while reviewing Europe’s implementation of the 2014 Istanbul Convention asked Warsaw to change its legal definition of rape from a force-based act to include all non-consensual sex. Separately, the European Parliament voted largely in favour of a resolution concerning Poland’s media freedom. The non-binding resolution mentioned other violations such as the reducing independence of the judiciary and legal silencing of critics. It also stated that the EU withheld funds as SRHR violations and discriminations against the LGBTQIA+ community continued in Poland. (“Change rape definition, stop restricting media, Europe tells Poland”, Reuters, 16 September 2021)
The Netherlands: Foreign minister resigns over Afghanistan crisis (DW)
On 16 September, Dutch Foreign Minister Sigrid Kaag lost a parliamentary no-confidence vote over her mishandling of refugee evacuation from Taliban-seized Afghanistan. Following the vote, she tendered her resignation. During a parliamentary debate on Wednesday, she had admitted that the government's response to the worsening Afghan situation had been slow, implying evacuation of a lot of Dutch citizens and other Dutch associates wasn't done in time. Kaag, who became foreign minister only in May of this year, intends to continue leading her D66 party. (“Dutch foreign minister resigns over Afghan evacuation crisis”, Deutsche Welle, 16 September 2021)
COVID-19 & THE EU
‘HERA’: EU’s launches health crisis body
On 16 September, The European Commission launched its health crisis body - ‘HERA’, short for ‘Health Emergency preparedness and Response Authority’. The body is expected to assess potential health threats, promote research as well as provide emergency funding in the face of a new health crisis. HERA has been created to avoid a repetition of the ad hoc measures that were taken by individual EU members when the coronavirus pandemic began. The European Commission Vice President Margritis Schinas said that HERA, though an addition to other EU health agencies, would be the primary instrument to coordinate preparedness and future response. It will be fully operational by early 2022. (“EU launches health crisis body to prepare for future pandemic”, Reuters, 16 September 2021)
France: Health workers suspended over vaccine refusal
On 16 September, 3000 health workers across France were suspended without pay as they failed to comply with the French mandate of compulsory vaccinations which came into effect on 15 September. French Health Minister Olivier Veran, in a statement, said that the suspensions were temporary and many of the people had realized that the mandate was a reality. The impact is limited as most of the suspended staff work in supporting roles. Critics have objected to the move as it forces people to get the jab. Other countries in the region like Italy, the Netherlands, and Britain are also considering similar measures to increase vaccination rates. (“France suspends 3,000 health staff as Europe targets vaccine refusal”, Reuters, 16 September 2021)
INTERNATIONAL
France: Macron claims to have killed Greater Saharan IS leader
On 16 September, French President Emmanuel Macron claimed that French military forces had killed an Islamic State (IS) leader in the Sahel region of west Africa. The historical IS leader Adnan Abu Walid al-Sahrawi, whose group targeted US soldiers in a 2017 attack in Niger, is said to have been killed. Apart from mentioning the casualties, no further details were provided via Macron’s statement. If Sahrawi’s death is confirmed, it will be a blow to the IS, but the recent series of victories may soften the blow. (“France says it has killed Islamic State leader in Greater Sahara”, The Guardian, 16 September 2021)