Seoul in talks to join AUKUS' tech warfare program: Defense Minister
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South Korea's defense minister welcomes AUKUS' consideration to make Seoul a Pillar Two partner.
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US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak deliver remarks on AUKUS partnership after a trilateral meeting, at Naval Base Point Loma in San Diego, California, US, on March 13, 2023. (AFP)
South Korea is engaging in discussions to join a military technology pact between the United States, the UK, and Australia in the AUKUS anti-China alliance, the country's defense minister said on Wednesday.
"During today's meeting, we also discussed the possibility of partnering with AUKUS Pillar Two," Shin Won-sik said.
Pillar Two is dedicated to developing advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, to deploy in war capabilities such as drones, hypersonic missiles, and other hardware.
Read more: AUKUS: UK, Australia sign new defense agreement
Meanwhile, Pillar One aims to supply Australia with nuclear-powered attack submarines, which Seoul is not expected to take part in.
Shin's statement came following a meeting between the Australian and South Korean defense and foreign ministers in Melbourne.
AUKUS earlier revealed openness for other partners to participate in Pillar Two, including Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand. Tokyo expressed interest last month in starting talks with AUKUS regarding collaboration on advanced military technology.
"Korea is obviously a country with deeply impressive technology," said Australia's Defense Minister Richard Marles. "So as AUKUS Pillar Two develops, I think there will be opportunities in the future."
Read more: Lavrov warns AUKUS may cause long regional confrontation
"We do welcome that AUKUS members are considering Korea as an AUKUS pillar two partner," Shin said. "Korea's defense, science and technology capabilities will contribute to peace and stability, [and to] the development of AUKUS Pillar Two."
China has constantly warned that AUKUS risked setting off an arms race, and held the three countries responsible for setting back nuclear nonproliferation efforts, also accusing the United States of leading a Western effort at "all-round containment, encirclement and suppression of China."
