Beijing urges IAEA members to participate in discussions on AUKUS
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China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson calls for a discussion on the transfer of nuclear materials in the context of AUKUS.
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Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian
China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on Tuesday that China calls on member countries of the IAEA to foster dialogue regarding the AUKUS security pact between the US, UK, and Australia, as it affects the interests of all states.
IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi had spoken on Wednesday at the opening of the IAEA's Board of Governors meeting in Vienna, announcing that he will present a report on the results of the AUKUS security pact to the board in September. Grossi expressed his "satisfaction" with the "engagement and transparency shown" by the three countries so far.
Zhao said that continued discussion of the "transfer of nuclear materials in the context of AUKUS" shows that the issue is a cause of concern for the global community.
"China calls on all member states to support and actively participate in IAEA discussions of AUKUS nuclear submarine cooperation to jointly defend the international non-proliferation system with the NPT [Non-Proliferation Treaty] as the cornerstone and safeguard world peace and security," the spokesperson said.
He also reiterated China's stance that nuclear submarine cooperation poses a grave risk of nuclear proliferation, and is a risk to stability and peace in the region. He urged AUKUS states to be responsible and "refrain from conducting nuclear submarine cooperation before parties reach a consensus."
As part of the AUKUS alliance, the United States and the United Kingdom will help Australia enhance its nuclear capabilities through sharing advanced technologies, which will aid Australia in acquiring nuclear-powered submarines. The alliance will also see the three nations sharing their know-how on AI, cyber, and quantum technologies, in addition to underwater and long-range missile capabilities.
This involved Australia canceling a submarine deal it had concluded with France, a move that Paris dubbed a "stab in the back." Consequently, France decided to recall its ambassadors to the United States and Australia. The row soured the three countries' relationship with Paris.
