South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik said his government is considering sharing advanced military technology with the US, UK and Australia through the so-called AUKUS partnership.
MELBOURNE, Australia — South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik said his country is considering sharing advanced military technology with the United States, Britain and Australia through the so-called AUKUS partnership.
Shin said the possibility was discussed during two days of talks between the defense and foreign ministers of South Korea and Australia that ended in the Australian city of Melbourne on Wednesday.
In 2021, the US and UK agreed to provide Australia with a fleet of submarines equipped with US nuclear technology under the AUKUS agreement to counter China's growing military presence. AUKUS is an acronym for Australia, United Kingdom and United States.
The two countries could engage 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.”
Mr. Shin welcomed Korea's invitation from the three AUKUS partners.
Mr. Shin said, “We welcome that AUKUS member countries are considering South Korea as a partner for AUKUS Pillar 2, and that South Korea's defense science and technology capabilities will contribute to the development of AUKUS Pillar 2 and the peace and stability of regional peace. I will,” he said through an interpreter.
Japan is also moving towards formal negotiations to participate in the technology development and sharing of AUKUS Pillar 2.
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles welcomed South Korea's efforts to build a relationship with Japan, which forms a security dialogue known as the Quad with Australia, the United States and India.
“We see this as a very positive step forward in the strategic landscape of the region and a huge opportunity for Australia to engage with South Korea and Japan,” Mr Marles told reporters.
“South Korea and Australia are working together to uphold the rules-based order within the region and indeed the world,” Marls added.
