The Chinese mainland has voiced strong opposition to the trio of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia forming exclusionary blocs in the Asia-Pacific region. On Tuesday, the Chinese embassy in the United Kingdom released a statement condemning the advancing trilateral security partnership, highlighting concerns over nuclear proliferation risks.
An embassy spokesperson responded to inquiries about a joint declaration by defense ministers of the US, UK, and Australia, which announced plans to collaborate with Japan on AUKUS Pillar II advanced capability projects. This expansion aims to involve more nations in the security pact, focusing on cutting-edge technologies like quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and cyber technologies.
\"China is gravely concerned and firmly opposed to this,\" the spokesperson emphasized, warning that such alliances could escalate nuclear proliferation and intensify the arms race in the Asia-Pacific region, ultimately undermining regional peace and stability.
The first pillar of AUKUS seeks to assist Australia in acquiring nuclear-powered submarines and enhance cooperation on various advanced defense technologies. The recent developments in Pillar II indicate a strategic push to broaden the alliance and strengthen technological sharing among member nations.
\"We urge the US, the UK, and Australia to abandon the Cold War mentality, stop cobbling together exclusionary blocs, and cease stirring trouble and camp confrontation in the Asia-Pacific region,\" the diplomat stated. \"Japan must learn lessons from history and be prudent about its words and actions when it comes to military security.\"
These remarks come as defense leaders of the US, the UK, and Australia announced their decision to include Japan in the controversial AUKUS security alliance on Monday, a move that has drawn both support and criticism internationally.
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China urges U.S., UK and Australia to stop forming exclusionary blocs
cgtn.com
