Exploring AUKUS, Quad, and Five Eyes Alliances and Their Impact on China
In recent years, multiple defence agreements, including AUKUS, Quad, and the Five Eyes, have become focal points in the geopolitical struggle between China and the Western powers. These alliances aim to counter China’s rising influence, especially in the Indo-Pacific region, sparking strong reactions from Beijing and raising concerns about a potential arms race in Asia.
What is AUKUS?
AUKUS is a security partnership formed between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with a key feature being Australia’s acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines. While these submarines will not carry nuclear weapons, they offer Australia advanced technological capabilities to better secure its vast maritime borders. Despite the long time frame required for Australia to build its first submarine, this deal signifies a strategic shift, as Australia seeks to strengthen its defence ties with the US and the UK in response to China’s military modernisation.
The arrangement also marks a dramatic change in Australia’s approach to its security policy, which has previously balanced strong economic relations with China and military cooperation with the US. Following the fallout over the COVID-19 investigation, the country’s strategic priorities have shifted, making this partnership a crucial development in the region.
The Significance of Nuclear-Powered Submarines
Nuclear-powered submarines provide significant advantages over conventional diesel-electric subs: they are faster, capable of staying submerged for extended periods, and can carry more weapons and supplies. This makes them an ideal asset for Australia’s defence needs, especially considering the vast geographical area they may need to patrol. Only a handful of countries, including the US, UK, and China, have this technology, and the AUKUS deal brings Australia into this exclusive group, much to the anger of China.
The Quad Alliance
The Quad, comprising the US, Japan, India, and Australia, was originally formed in 2004 to coordinate disaster relief efforts following the Indian Ocean tsunami. However, it has since evolved into a strategic alliance aimed at countering China’s growing regional dominance. Although it has no formal military obligations, the Quad nations share common economic and security interests. The alliance has been revitalised under both the Trump and Biden administrations, with recent summits focusing on critical issues like the COVID-19 vaccine distribution and infrastructure development across Asia, all while presenting a united front against China’s increasing assertiveness.
The Five Eyes Intelligence Network
The Five Eyes is an intelligence-sharing agreement among the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, designed to facilitate close cooperation on security matters. It has been instrumental in global counter-terrorism operations and intelligence gathering. However, tensions surfaced this year, particularly with New Zealand distancing itself from proposals to expand the group’s remit to include confronting China’s human rights record. Despite these disagreements, the alliance remains a cornerstone of Western security efforts, particularly in the context of growing concerns about China’s global influence.
China’s Reaction
Beijing has vehemently opposed these Western alliances, particularly AUKUS, denouncing them as a “Cold War mentality” and accusing the members of attempting to encircle China with military alliances. The Chinese government views these actions as efforts to stifle its rise and maintain Western dominance in the Asia-Pacific region. The AUKUS agreement, which involves the transfer of sensitive nuclear technology, has been particularly contentious, as China fears it will escalate tensions and trigger an arms race.
Reactions from Neighbouring Countries
While some countries, including India and Japan, have welcomed the AUKUS deal as a signal of US commitment to countering China, others in Southeast Asia have expressed concern. Malaysia and Indonesia fear the pact could spark an arms race in the region, while Singapore has opted for a more neutral stance. North Korea, a close ally of China, has also condemned the AUKUS agreement, suggesting it underscores the need for the nation to continue expanding its nuclear arsenal in response.
The Fate of ANZUS
AUKUS was announced on the 70th anniversary of the Australia, New Zealand, and United States Security Treaty (ANZUS). This treaty, which was designed to promote security in the Pacific, faced a significant setback in 1986 when New Zealand declared itself a nuclear-free zone, leading the US to suspend its obligations to the country. Though ties between New Zealand and the US have since improved, New Zealand’s refusal to allow nuclear-powered submarines into its waters highlights ongoing regional divisions and concerns over nuclear proliferation.
In conclusion, these defence alliances represent a broader strategic shift in global power dynamics, with China’s rapid military expansion and its increasing global influence prompting democratic nations to reconsider their security and economic policies. As tensions rise, the future of these alliances will continue to shape the geopolitical landscape, with China’s reaction playing a pivotal role in how these relationships evolve.
