"Politico": Canada and Japan May Join AUKUS Alliance

The newspaper "Politico" reported, citing an informed source, that Canada and Japan might join the AUKUS alliance, which includes Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, by the end of this year. The report indicated that "work is underway on an agreement that would allow Canada and Japan to develop comprehensive cooperation with alliance members in the field of military technologies, including the use of artificial intelligence and hypersonic missiles." A U.S. administration official under President Joe Biden told the newspaper, "We will look for opportunities to attract other allies and close partners." "Politico" also noted that New Zealand and South Korea had previously expressed interest in joining AUKUS. Australia established the AUKUS military alliance with the United States and the United Kingdom to develop and deploy nuclear-powered submarines, in addition to enhancing military presence in the Pacific region amid increasing concerns from the United States and its allies regarding China's growing military assertiveness in the Pacific.