SKorea Considers Military Tech Alliance05/01 06:24
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) -- South Korea is considering sharing advanced
military technology with the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia
through the so-called AUKUS partnership, South Korean Defense Minister Shin
Won-sik said.
Shin said the possibility was discussed during two days of meetings between
South Korea and Australia's defense and foreign ministers that ended in the
Australian city of Melbourne on Wednesday.
The United States and the United Kingdom agreed in 2021 to provide Australia
with a fleet of submarines powered by U.S. nuclear technology under the AUKUS
agreement to counter a growing military presence from China. AUKUS is an
acronym for Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
The countries could become involved in cooperation on a wider range of
security technologies including artificial intelligence, electronic warfare and
hypersonic systems through what is known as AUKUS Pillar 2.
Shin welcomed South Korea's invitation from the three AUKUS partners.
"We do welcome that AUKUS members are considering Korea as an AUKUS Pillar 2
partner and Korea's defense science and technology capabilities will contribute
to the peace and stability of the development of AUKUS Pillar 2 and regional
peace," Shin said through a translator.
Japan is also moving toward formal talks to become part of AUKUS Pillar 2's
technology development and sharing.
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles welcomed South Korean efforts to
build on its relationship with Japan, which along with Australia, the United
States and India form a security dialogue known as the Quad.
"We see this is a very, very positive step forward in the strategic
landscape of the region and represents a huge opportunity for Australia to
engage with both Korea and Japan," Marles told reporters.
"Korea and Australia are working together to uphold the rules-based order
within our region and, in fact, within the world," Marles added.
