In a historic move, the leaders of the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia have announced the details of the Aukus security pact, which includes the provision of nuclear-powered submarines to Australia. The pact, signed in 2021, aims to counter what the three nations perceive as a growing threat posed by China in the Indo-Pacific region.

The agreement was officially unveiled at a naval base in San Diego, California, by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, US President Joe Biden, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. UK firm Rolls Royce will provide the reactors for the submarines, which will create thousands of jobs.

In response to the perceived threat from China, Sunak has also announced plans to increase defence spending, describing the challenge posed by China as “epoch-defining.” However, the Labour party has criticised the government’s response, stating that the Conservatives are “failing to secure Britain’s national defence for the future.”

The Aukus pact has been hailed as a significant step towards strengthening security in the region and countering China’s growing military influence. The nuclear-powered submarines provided to Australia will enable the country to better protect its interests and those of its allies in the region.