Sunak flies to US to discuss countering China with Biden, Australian PM

Bloomberg reports that Rishi Sunak will arrive in the United States on March 12 to meet with US President Joe Biden and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The two are expected to unveil the steps they will take in the next phase of the nuclear submarine program as part of the AUKUS security partnership aimed at countering China.

A decision on how to move forward will be announced on March 13, when the three leaders meet in San Diego. According to people with knowledge of the discussions, the first boat will take years to build, which will require temporary measures. In particular, the United States could deploy nuclear submarines in Australia or sell Virginia-class submarines to Australia.

Australia's new fleet of nuclear submarines will be based on modified British boats with American parts.

“I am traveling to the United States today to launch the next stage of the AUKUS nuclear submarine program, a project which is binding ties to our closest allies and delivering security, new technology and economic advantage at home,” he said.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning has criticized the plan and said that the United States, the UK and Australia should do more things that will promote regional peace and stability.