South Korea mulls joining military technology alliance with Australia, US, and UK

South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik announced that his government is considering joining the AUKUS partnership to share advanced military technology with the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. This decision came after two days of meetings between South Korea and Australia’s defense and foreign ministers in Melbourne.

The AUKUS agreement, formed in 2021, aims to counter China’s growing military presence by providing Australia with a fleet of submarines powered by U.S. nuclear technology. Now, the partnership could expand to include cooperation on a wider range of security technologies such as artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, and hypersonic systems through AUKUS Pillar 2.

Shin expressed his enthusiasm for South Korea’s potential involvement in AUKUS Pillar 2, stating that their defense science and technology capabilities would contribute to regional peace and stability. Japan is also in talks to join AUKUS Pillar 2, further solidifying the partnership’s technological development and sharing efforts.

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles praised South Korea’s efforts to strengthen its relationship with Japan, highlighting the positive impact on the strategic landscape of the region. He emphasized the importance of upholding the rules-based order within the region and the world, showcasing the collaborative efforts between Korea, Australia, Japan, and the United States in maintaining peace and stability.

Overall, the potential expansion of the AUKUS partnership to include South Korea and Japan signifies a significant step forward in enhancing regional security and cooperation among like-minded nations.