Opinion | Why the US-led ‘Aukus’ security pact leaves Australia exposed

It has been described in the Australian media as the most significant defence agreement since the second world war. Canberra has done its duty, as is generally the case, and agreed to join the United States and Britain in a security pact designed to counter the rise of China as superpower.

But is this commitment in Australia’s best interests? There is good reason to say no, given its geographical proximity to, and economic dependence on, China.

According to a statement from the office of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson: “This [nuclear] capability will promote stability in the Indo-Pacific and will be deployed in support of our shared values and interests.” The BBC reports that British officials say the pact is not aimed at China specifically, but no one believes that in the real world.

So what’s in this groundbreaking agreement for Australia? It certainly proves yet again that Washington can just about always rely on Canberra to respond positively to its military and diplomatic adventures and muscle flexing.

But when it comes to Australia’s direct interests, as opposed to those of its historic and deep alliances with the US and Britain, signing on to a confrontational and provocative strategy to contain China is surely inherently dangerous and reflects a further loss of independence for this nation in the Asia-Pacific region.