The United States, the United Kingdom and Australia are considering inviting South Korea to join their AUKUS partnership, which aims to share advanced military technology. This was discussed during a series of meetings between South Korea and Australia’s defense and foreign ministers in Melbourne.
In 2021, the United States and the United Kingdom agreed to provide Australia with a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines as part of the AUKUS agreement, aimed at countering China’s military presence in the region. Now, there are plans to expand cooperation to include security technologies such as artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, and hypersonic systems through AUKUS Pillar 2.
South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik welcomed the invitation from AUKUS partners to join Pillar 2. He believes that South Korea’s defense science and technology capabilities could contribute to peace, stability, and regional development within AUKUS. Japan is also moving towards formal talks to become part of AUKUS Pillar 2.
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles commended South Korea’s efforts to strengthen its relationship with Japan, as both countries cooperate within the Quad security dialogue with Australia and the United States. Marles sees this as a positive step in the strategic landscape of the region, offering Australia an opportunity to engage with Korea and Japan in upholding the rules-based order in the region and globally.
