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Biden announces Indo-Pacific alliance with UK, Australia

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By AAMER MADHANI

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The Nuclear subs along with basing privileges is going to be a feather in the cap for distributed lethality and will drive Xi nuts.

5 ( +12 / -7 )

@GdTokyo

What is the purpose of the nuclear subs? Doesn't the US already have hundreds of nuclear weapons pointed at China? What good could a few more possibly do?

-5 ( +6 / -11 )

What is the purpose of the nuclear subs? Doesn't the US already have hundreds of nuclear weapons pointed at China? What good could a few more possibly do?

It is my understanding from other media reports that the UK was heavily behind this as they seek some kind of international relevance in a post Brexit world. This pact also gives Australia a reason to get out of a stupid agreement they made with France to buy a fleet of diesel powered submarines at a ridiculously high price.

8 ( +13 / -5 )

The Aussie subs will be nuclear-powered - they won't have nuclear weapons.

10 ( +12 / -2 )

They announced plans to support Australia acquiring nuclear-powered submarines.

But pump jets can only stay underwater for 20 minutes! Didn't you see the YouTube video?

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

What is the purpose of the nuclear subs? Doesn't the US already have hundreds of nuclear weapons pointed at China? What good could a few more possibly do?

Nuclear propulsion, not nuclear weapons. Diesel electric boats have their place, especially for barrier operations, but for long range blue water operations they are slower than nuclear subs and must surface to replenish their air supply and run their diesel engines to recharge batteries. They also lack the underwater speed of a nuclear sub simply because they must use batteries to drive an electric motor. There is only so much energy one can pull from batteries unless you replace all the weapons on the sub with batteries. A modern US nuclear sub has 40,000 shaft horsepower. The most power diesel electric sub has about 8,500 shaft horsepower. That makes all the difference in underwater speed. Nuclear subs are the only subs that can chase surface ships across thousands of miles of ocean at high speed and remain submerged the entire time. A carrier strike group can easily outrun a diesel boat. The carrier and her escorts are almost twice as fast as the best diesel boat. Only a nuke boat can run with fast surface ships. A nuclear sub can cross the Atlantic in five days or a little less while the best diesel boat needs at least nine days and is detectable when it surfaces to run diesels.

10 ( +11 / -1 )

This pact also gives Australia a reason to get out of a stupid agreement they made with France to buy a fleet of diesel powered submarines at a ridiculously high price.

There has been a persistent rumor that one of the reasons the French boat was chosen over the Japanese offering was it was based on a nuclear sub and this gave the Australians the possibility of making them nuclear powered if a decision could be reached before steel was cut. This may be what happens when all is said and done.

Now, the same Biden administration a few months ago denied a South Korean request for access to 20% enriched uranium for nuclear submarine propulsion. One has to wonder how the South Koreans are taking this news?

9 ( +9 / -0 )

Weak Biden at his warmonger finest, right?

We didn’t get into a war yet.

-7 ( +2 / -9 )

I am wondering how the Biden administration intends to get this past Congress and other US allies? US law supposedly makes it illegal to transfer nuclear technology to other non-nuclear nations. That law was recently used as the rationale to deny a South Korean request for 20% enriched uranium to fuel proposed nuclear powered subs. US subs use high enriched weapons grade uranium so their cores last the life of the sub and do not require cutting big holes in the hull to refuel them halfway through their service life. Is the US going to now sell Australia submarine reactors with high enriched uranium? How will this get past Congress? Or will Congress pass an exemption for Australia. The foreign policy complications of this move could be cascading.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Nuclear propulsion, not nuclear weapons.

Yes, of course, I believe everything. lol Maybe, they are not even for military use, but only for funny whale or dolphin watching, right?

-8 ( +1 / -9 )

We didn’t get into a war yet.

Care to make one of your famous predictions? Where’s the next war, who with and when?

Or are you just sayin’?

2 ( +4 / -2 )

It's sad to see but it had to be done. To let China continue on its bulldozing way in claiming any territory it wishes, especially in regard to the South China Sea, had to be answered. Australia is quite admirable to take such a brave position considering its proximity to China and economic ties.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Biden announces Indo-Pacific alliance with UK, Australia

Good but not all that important in my opinion. It would be better to strengthen and enhance the 5 Eyes so as to bring Canada and NZ on board as well.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Care to make one of your famous predictions?

After his disastrous pullout in Afghanistan, I worry about the US commitment to any of our allies, they’re probably equally as concerned.

-11 ( +1 / -12 )

After his disastrous pullout in Afghanistan, I worry about the US commitment to any of our allies, they’re probably equally as concerned.

You worry about a lot of things but when it’s a bad day for ‘your team’ you always find an optimistic angle for future victory. Let that positivity shine though!

4 ( +7 / -3 )

Since when was the UK near the Indian or Pacific Oceans?

-7 ( +2 / -9 )

Since when was the UK near the Indian or Pacific Oceans?

Funny you should ask - Queen Elizabeth II is the Head of State of Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Cook Islands, Nuie, Solomons, Tavalu, Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands.

6 ( +11 / -5 )

You worry about a lot of things but when it’s a bad day for ‘your team’

No, I worry about this President and after what we saw in Afghanistan, very good reason to worry about the man and his lack of leadership or impediments

you always find an optimistic angle for future victory. Let that positivity shine though

After the the GOP retake the House next year, I will. Promise!

-10 ( +2 / -12 )

@Desert Tortoise Are you assuming that China wants her set free? Trudeau is bought and paid for by China.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

The US are unlikely to share nuclear tech with the French. They may have just nicked their contract.

Someone ask Macron for a quote on this.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Good for Australia.

Bad for China and NK.

Well done president Biden! That's how you do it: strategic cooperation with our allies - something Trump never could figure out.

Weird, how we keep being told Biden is a tool of China, yet he just keeps strengthening our alliances designed to contain China.

1 ( +6 / -5 )

U.S. President Joe Biden announced Wednesday that the United States is forming a new Indo-Pacific security alliance with Britain and Australia that will allow for greater sharing of defense capabilities - including helping equip Australia with nuclear-powered submarines. It's a move that could deepen a growing chasm in U.S.-China relations.

(Trump fans check their script)

BIDEN IS WEAK ON CHINA!

Beijing has taken exception to Biden administration officials repeatedly calling out China over human rights abuses in Xianjing province, the crackdown on democracy activists in Hong Kong, and cybersecurity breaches originating from China, as well as Beijing's handling of the coronavirus pandemic and what the White House has labeled as "coercive and unfair" trade practices.

(Trump fans check their script)

BIDEN IS WEAK ON CHINA!

Biden has sought to rally allies to speak with a more unified voice on China and has tried to send the message that he would take a radically different approach to China than former President Donald Trump, who placed trade and economic issues above all else in the U.S.-China relationship.

(Trump fans check their script)

BIDEN IS WEAK ON CHINA!

6 ( +10 / -4 )

Now, if we could resume work on the cobalt bomb, China would have something more to worry about!

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

 It would be better to strengthen and enhance the 5 Eyes so as to bring Canada and NZ on board as well.

Trudeau and are Ardern are too close to China. Maybe consider it when they're gone. Hopefully that will be soon for Trudeau.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Can the China haters on this site kindly face reality. This trio of countries along with the rest of NATO could not see off the primitive Taliban after 20 years.

The idea that they will see off China with a few extra nuclear subs is ridiculous.

Those subs run on highly enriched uranium that can be converted into nuclear weapons. This is called nuclear proliferation.

-6 ( +2 / -8 )

Trudeau and are Ardern are too close to China. Maybe consider it when they're gone. Hopefully that will be soon for Trudeau.

I agree with what you said on Ardern but not on Trudeau. But I guess better leave that for another time and just agree to disagree there.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

@GBR

Why on earth would France need nuclear technology from the US?They are world leaders on the subject.

When Fukushima melted down Japan called in France, not the US or the UK.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

China is Australia's most important trade partner.

How will this posturing square with that ?

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

China has been developing their submarine fleet. There was article a few days ago about a Chinese submarine enter Japanese waters. An American Chinese business owner in the US was sentences to several years in prison for using his business to purchase marine technology, so he could sell it to the Chinese military for their Navy.

Biden changing his focus away from Afghanistan to China is good idea. The big issues now are cybersecurity and traditional military. Thats will counter China's hard power. To counter the soft power, the US needs to rebuild all of the relationships that the dysfunctional previous president ruined.

The Republican heads must be exploding now because they can't say he is weak on China. There is not much that trump or trump wannabe use as a campaign issue.

I suspect China might try to influence Afghanistan or Pakistan to terrorize American interests as a distraction.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

You can bet this will infuriate Xi and no doubt he'll order his massive Army of trolls to increase their disinformation war supporting Trump for 2024....

Xi will always help his long-term business partner....and I'm sure he enjoys wearing those Chinese-made Trump Collection shirts and ties...

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-event-touted-made-america-goods-lot-his-merchandise-couldn-n893656

0 ( +3 / -3 )

China is Australia's most important trade partner.

How will this posturing square with that ?

China is also the US and Japans biggest trading partner.

This needs to change.

Greedy corporations must start putting their nations first instead of chasing dirty money from Commie China. If governments have to step in and impose crippling taxes on the Toyotas, GMs, Apples, Boeings etc - so be it.

Boycott companies that deal with Communist China!

8 ( +8 / -0 )

You can bet this will infuriate Xi and no doubt he'll order his massive Army of trolls to increase their disinformation war supporting Trump for 2024....

Doubt it, probably sooner seeing the current ineptitude of this President.

Xi will always help his long-term business partner....

Wait until the GOP retake the House and look into The Biden’s relations with China and Xi, more investigations for sure to come.

Modern GOP = Trumpism..

Yez

Trumpism will finish ruining the country,

No, the Democrat Marxist policies will and have, just over the last 9 months this guy managed to do more damage than it would normally take with radical leftist policies that take their tolls on an average of 8 years if you have a two term Democrat President.

the rise of China and the ruin of the US is inevitable

Doubt it, but they will be a strong competitor for sure

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

You can bet this will infuriate Xi and no doubt he'll order his massive Army of trolls to increase their disinformation war supporting Trump for 2024....

Doubt it, probably sooner seeing the current ineptitude of this President.

See, they're already at work...

Xi will always help his long-term business partner....

Wait until the GOP retake the House and look into The Biden’s relations with China and Xi, more investigations for sure to come.

Thanks for agreeing with me - how many Chinese-made Trump Collection shirts and ties do you own?

Modern GOP = Trumpism..

Yez

Remember, we shouldn't criticize Trump supporters for their lack of education...

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

US already has a QUAD aiming to contain China, now going for an Indo-Pacific security alliance with UK and Australia. This time, trying to coerce Beijing openly?

All these can only go to show that US dares not face China alone. It needs others' help to make hollow noise to scare Beijing.

How distressingly inadequate..

-9 ( +0 / -9 )

@Bass

Wait until the GOP retake the House and look into The Biden’s relations with China and Xi, more investigations for sure to come.

That is funny!

Trump also said recently that "the US will end in 3 years" followed by "I will run in 2024."

Coincidence? I think not!

1 ( +4 / -3 )

@venze

> US already has a QUAD aiming to contain China, now going for an Indo-Pacific security alliance with UK and Australia. This time, trying to coerce Beijing openly?

All these can only go to show that US dares not face China alone. It needs others' help to make hollow noise to scare Beijing.

How distressingly inadequate..

You confused China with the US.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

US law supposedly makes it illegal to transfer nuclear technology to other non-nuclear nations. That law was recently used as the rationale to deny a South Korean request for 20% enriched uranium to fuel proposed nuclear powered subs.

The US will transfer the technology to the UK who will develop it to fit in the UK designed submarines that will then be built in Australia. A technicality perhaps but it does get around the immediate issue of transfer to a non nuclear nation. Although to be fair, Australia does maintain one nuclear reactor for medical use and research and has done for decades. That makes Australia a nuclear nation of the smallest size and capacity.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

You can bet this will infuriate Xi and no doubt he'll order his massive Army of trolls to increase their disinformation war supporting Trump for 2024....

Doubt it, probably sooner seeing the current ineptitude of this President.

You think that China will deploy its army of disinformation trolls before 2024?

How could you know this? Did you get your marching orders in the post?

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

This trio of countries along with the rest of NATO could not see off the primitive Taliban after 20 years. 

But Joe did drone strike that family.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Will Australia still require 12 new submarines now they have opted for Nuclear or will that number be reduced to account for the additional cost?

There is no doubt the additional speed, depth and capabilities inherent in Nuclear subs will benefit the navy and if they come with a suite of vertical launch tubes for cruise missiles it will make them even more versatile and lethal.

The numbers will be released soon as they crunch he numbers. Perhaps 8 -10 will be the number.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

There was article a few days ago about a Chinese submarine enter Japanese waters. 

No, there was not such an article. No Chinese submarine entered Japanese waters.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

It's good to have friends

1 ( +1 / -0 )

After his disastrous pullout in Afghanistan, I worry about the US commitment to any of our allies, they’re probably equally as concerned.

You spent the last four years saying that you didn't care about the US' allies and that you thought it was good that Trump was alienating them. What changed your mind?

1 ( +3 / -2 )

K3PO:

unny you should ask - Queen Elizabeth II is the Head of State of Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Cook Islands, Nuie, Solomons, Tavalu, Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands.

Ah, yeah, that's right. The colonies.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

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