遭美国质疑 澳英美核潜艇合作生变数

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Department of Defense has officially begun reassessing the AUKUS trilateral security partnership agreement, causing anxiety in Australia and the UK, although Australia believes its nuclear submarine procurement will not be affected [1][2]. Group 1: AUKUS Partnership and Nuclear Submarine Procurement - The AUKUS partnership was announced in September 2021, allowing Australia to purchase Virginia-class nuclear submarines from the U.S. and collaborate with the UK on new submarine construction [2]. - Australia has already made an initial payment of $500 million, with a total of $2 billion due by 2025 to help expand U.S. production capacity for the submarines [3]. - The Australian government plans to invest AUD 368 billion (approximately USD 239.3 billion) over 30 years for the purchase and construction of nuclear submarines, marking the largest defense project signed with the U.S. and the UK [6]. Group 2: U.S. Defense Department's Reassessment - The reassessment led by policy advisor Elbridge Colby aims to ensure that the partnership aligns with the "America First" agenda and evaluates the U.S. military's readiness and industrial base [1][2]. - Concerns have been raised regarding whether the U.S. can meet its own production goals while also fulfilling commitments to allies, as the production rate of Virginia-class submarines has not met expectations [5]. Group 3: Reactions and Implications - Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles stated that the reassessment is a natural occurrence and will not impact Australia's nuclear submarine procurement [6]. - Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull criticized the lack of reassessment from Australia, highlighting the risks involved [8]. - The UK government is also concerned about the implications of the U.S. reassessment and has announced plans to invest GBP 15 billion in nuclear deterrent capabilities, including the construction of 12 new nuclear-powered attack submarines [8].