The AUKUS agreement, a strategic defense pact between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, has faced scrutiny and skepticism, particularly in Australia, since its inception. The article highlights a critical issue: Australia's struggle to communicate the necessity and purpose of the submarines to its public effectively. This lack of transparency has led to concerns that the political consensus around AUKUS might not be strong enough, especially if a Labor government comes to power. Bryan Clark, a navy specialist, argues that the Australian government's reluctance to openly discuss the potential use of the submarines in a regional conflict against China is a significant problem. This reluctance, he believes, gives China leverage and weakens the deterrent effect of the pact.
The Pentagon's review of AUKUS, led by Elbridge Colby, initially raised doubts about the pact's future, especially with the uncertain position of then-President Donald Trump. However, Trump's support for the deal and his instruction to expedite its implementation solidified the US's commitment. The article suggests that the political commitment in Australia is now under scrutiny, with a public inquiry and media attention focusing on the age of the Virginia-class submarines.
The author argues that the skepticism in Australia is surprising to some US political figures, who expected a stronger commitment from the local government. This skepticism, according to Abraham Denmark, a former senior defense adviser, underscores the need for Australia to establish a social license for AUKUS. Denmark dismisses concerns raised by Labor MP Ed Husic and the unofficial inquiry, stating that they won't amount to much in the long term. However, he emphasizes the importance of transparency and candor about the pact's purpose and strategic need.
The article concludes by suggesting that Australia needs to grow up and take a more assertive stance, especially in the face of Chinese coercion. It calls for more open communication about the strategic importance of AUKUS and the submarines, which is currently lacking. The author believes that this transparency is crucial to building a stronger political consensus and addressing the skepticism within the Australian public.
