The AUKUS Alliance – a team-up between Australia, the US and the UK – has revealed it may invite Japan to join its efforts to develop artificial intelligence and quantum computing technology to be used for mutual defence.
Japan in talks to join AUKUS defense pact
AUKUS was formed in 2021 with a central part of cooperation between members to equip Australia with its first nuclear-powered submarines.
Demonstrating the alliance members' determination to build strength in the Asia-Pacific region – and therefore showing that China cannot expect to have things its own way in the region's waters – was the first "pillar" of the pact. At the time of writing it appears that the boats will be manufactured to a British design, at an as yet undeveloped yard in Australia. Reactors are likely to be made in the UK too, but the US will help with lots of expertise and kit. In theory, this is a win/win/win for the economies of the three nations.
The second pillar of AUKUS is described as "advanced capacity development" and sees alliance members working on issues including:
