What the Aukus pact says about Britain’s foreign policy

While the foreign secretary changed in the last 24 hours, the most important announcement regarding the direction of UK foreign policy yesterday came outside of the reshuffle. Overnight, the UK, US and Australia announced a new defence arrangement – known as the Aukus pact – in the Asia pacific, which will see Australia build nuclear-powered submarines using US technology as well as collaborate on other technologies. 

The purpose of this new arrangement? While the respective governments have not specifically said it, it’s viewed as a counter to China that will see the three countries team up against Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific. In a sign of its purpose, the Chinese government has been quick to criticise the move. The Chinese embassy in Washington suggested the arrangement reflects a Cold War mentality, with China’s foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian arguing the pact will undermine ‘regional peace and stability’ and intensify ‘the arms race’.