China recently criticized the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine cooperation between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, expressing concern over its potential to undermine regional peace. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian pointed out that this agreement could escalate the arms race, violate the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), and pose grave risks of nuclear proliferation.
The transfer of nuclear-powered submarine reactors and weapons-grade uranium from nuclear-weapon states to a non-nuclear-weapon state has raised red flags among many countries. Lin Jian called on the international community to address the potential negative impact of AUKUS on the NPT and the International Atomic Energy Agency’s safeguards regime.
China urges the U.S., the UK, and Australia to halt their nuclear-powered submarine cooperation until consensus is reached on safeguards and other related issues. As tensions continue to rise, it is crucial that the global community come together to address these concerns through existing intergovernmental processes and platforms to ensure peace and stability in the region.
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