China Accuses "AUKUS" of Increasing Nuclear Proliferation Risks

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi accused Western partners in the AUKUS security agreement on Saturday of sowing division and increasing the risk of nuclear proliferation in the South Pacific region. During a visit to Papua New Guinea to strengthen ties with this long-time ally of Australia, Wang warned that the trilateral AUKUS agreement "contradicts" the treaty establishing a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the South Pacific. In a press conference after meeting with his counterpart in Papua New Guinea, Justin Tkatchenko, the Chinese Foreign Minister stated, "AUKUS also raises serious risks regarding nuclear proliferation." Wang criticized the defense agreement, which stipulates that the United States and the United Kingdom will supply Australia with nuclear-powered submarines instead of conventional ones.