Australia has embarked on a diplomatic campaign to ease regional concerns over its acquisition of a fleet of nuclear submarines under the Aukus agreement, as Malaysia warned against potentially unleashing an “arms race” in the Asia-Pacific.
Albanese attended the announcement in San Diego on Monday alongside President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, ending 18 months of speculation about Australia’s nuclear submarine fleet following the signing of Aukus in September 2021. In a statement late Tuesday, Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said while it appreciated the transparency from the Aukus partners, it maintained its previously critical position on the agreement.
“Maintaining peace and stability in the region is the responsibility of all countries. It is critical for all countries to be a part of this effort,” the ministry said, reiterating that it expected Australia to comply with its non-proliferation treaty obligations.