We use cookies on this website. By continuing to use this site without changing your cookie settings, you agree that you are happy to accept our privacy policy and for us to access our cookies on your device.
Transcript/ScriptUS-AUKUS Deal
HEADLINE: US, Australia, UK Forge Landmark Nuclear Submarine Deal
TEASER: Deal among 'AUKUS' trio will allow Australia to acquire US and British
nuclear submarine technology, with aim of countering Chinese aggression
PUBLISHED AT: Monday, 03/13/2023 at 22:45 EDT
BYLINE: Anita Powell
CONTRIBUTOR:
DATELINE: Washington
VIDEOGRAPHER: n/a
VIDEO EDITOR: Barry Unger
SCRIPT EDITORS: Holly Franko, Mark Young
VIDEO SOURCES: AP, AFP, Reuters, ZOOM (WITH LICENSE)
PLATFORMS: WEB _x_ TV _X_ RADIO _x_
TRT: 3:12
VID APPROVED BY: pcd
TYPE: TVPKG
EDITOR NOTES:))
((INTRO:))
[[Australia will buy three nuclear-powered attack submarines from the United States as
part of a three-nation, multi-decade deal with Great Britain that is aimed at
strengthening the allies' presence in the Asia-Pacific region as China grows bolder
militarily. VOA's Anita Powell reports from Washington.]]
((NARRATOR))
President Joe Biden says the decision to share sensitive U.S. nuclear technology with
Australia is a big deal — and a necessary one. He spoke Monday in San Diego.
((Joe Biden, U.S. President))
"As we stand at the inflection point in history where the hard work of enhancing
deterrence and promoting stability is going to affect the prospects of peace for decades
to come, the United States can ask for no better partners in the Indo-Pacific, where so
much of our shared future will be rooted. Forging this new partnership, we're showing
again how democracies can deliver our own security and prosperity, and not just for us,
but for the entire world."
((NARRATOR))
The multi-decade deal will see American and British nuclear-powered submarines
rotating into Australian waters as soon as 2027. By the early 2030s, Australia will buy at
least three — and as many as five — American nuclear-powered, conventionally armed
submarines designed to hunt and attack other subs. And the three nations will work
together to develop a new nuclear attack submarine — a project that could take two
decades.
Biden stressed that the deal concerns nuclear propulsion, not arms, and the leaders
pledged to adhere to their nuclear non-proliferation agreements.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the deal, which could cost nearly $150
billion ((as much as $200 billion Australian dollars)) will create jobs and boost innovation
and research.
((Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia))
"The AUKUS agreement we confirm here in San Diego represents the biggest single
investment in Australia's defense capability in all of our history, strengthening Australia's
national security and stability in our region."
((NARRATOR))
And British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also announced that his nation would increase
military spending to 2.5 percent of their GDP, to meet growing threats worldwide.
((Rishi Sunak, UK Prime Minister))
"The last 18 months, the challenges we face have only grown: Russia's illegal invasion
of Ukraine. China's growing assertiveness, the destabilizing behavior of Iran and North
Korea. All threaten to create a world defined by danger, disorder and division. Faced
with this new reality it is more important than ever that we strengthen the resilience of
our own countries."
((NARRATOR))
Beijing has criticized the partnership and accuses Washington of "provoking rivalry and
confrontation." But analysts say China's aggression in the Pacific region prompted this
decision.
[[Radio: Mark Kennedy is director of the Wahba Institute for Strategic Competition at the
Wilson Center. He spoke to VOA on Zoom.]]
((Mark Kennedy, Wilson Center)) ((mandatory cg: Zoom))
"This is really more a response to the very aggressive military buildup that China has
had, as opposed to anything we're doing that would be provoking to China."
((NARRATOR))
Because the three countries are vibrant democracies, there are vocal critics — and
analysts expect legislators in all three nations to probe the terms of the deal as it
evolves and question its impact on sovereignty issues and government spending.
[[Radio: Charles Edel is the inaugural Australia Chair at the Center for Strategic and
International Studies. He spoke to VOA on Zoom.]]
((Charles Edel, Center for Strategic and International Studies)) ((mandatory cg:
Zoom))
"There's criticism, as well there should be, of this deal everywhere because that's how
democracies do policy. Right? The ambitions are really, really large, but they're also
very large bets that are being placed."
((NARRATOR))
And here's who they're betting against, the man who recently cemented his status as
the most powerful leader China has had in decades.
Can these two young nations meet that challenge, alongside their former colonial
master? AUKUS hopes so.
((Anita Powell, VOA News, Washington))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
NetworkVOA
Location (dateline)Washington, D.C.
Embargo DateMarch 13, 2023 15:47 EDT
Byline
((Anita Powell, VOA News, Washington))
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English