“The central although unstated rationale for Aukus is China’s assertiveness towards countries in the South China Sea and the Indo-Pacific (including India). “Although India was identified as a ‘key pillar’ for the UK in the Indo-Pacific region, and China described as the ‘biggest state based threat’ to the UK’s economic security, the UK had also sought to engage China at multiple levels, including on economic and climate change issues. “The latter had raised suspicion within India’s powerful security establishment of the UK’s ‘intent’ towards China. It was 5pm and 10pm in Washington and London respectively on Wednesday while it was 5am on Thursday in Australia. Morrison made it clear Australian nuclear powered submarines, to be built in Adelaide with US and UK help, will not carry nuclear weapons.

Source: The Telegraph September 16, 2021 21:00 UTC