The United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia have finalized a new treaty to advance their Aukus security pact. This agreement, published by the Australian government on Monday, aims to facilitate the transfer of nuclear technology and material for submarine development. The treaty replaces an earlier agreement that permitted the exchange of naval nuclear propulsion information.
It specifies that the agreement will remain in force until December 31, 2075, but any party can exit it with a one-year written notice. In the event of a breach or termination, the remaining countries can demand the return or destruction of any exchanged information, material, or equipment.
The new treaty includes several safeguards. Australia must arrange with the International Atomic Energy Agency before receiving any nuclear material from the US or UK. The material, to be transferred in complete, welded power units, must only be used for naval propulsion. The treaty also allows the US and UK to cease cooperation and demand the return of materials if Australia breaches the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty or detonates a nuclear device. Additionally, Australia will be responsible for any nuclear safety risks and will indemnify the US and UK against liabilities related to the nuclear material and equipment.
Critics, such as Australian Greens’ defense spokesperson David Shoebridge, argue that the treaty is heavily skewed in favor of the US and UK, compromising Australian sovereignty. The treaty includes a non-legally binding document outlining additional political commitments but does not specify any obligation for Australia to participate in US-led military actions. Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles emphasized that the treaty represents a significant milestone and affirmed that Australia, as a non-nuclear weapons state, does not seek to acquire nuclear weapons.
International law expert Donald Rothwell noted that while most treaties remain in effect until replaced or terminated, the one-year termination notice provides considerable flexibility to all parties involved.
