U.K. and Australian leaders join President Biden at Naval Base Point Loma to discuss submarine deal

by Juri Kim

On March 13, President Joe Biden visited San Diego regarding the partnership with U.K. and Australia on an 18-month-old nuclear submarine deal named AUKUS — for Australia, United Kingdom, and United States.

President Joe Biden addresses Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (left) as British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak looks on during the AUKUS announcement at Naval Base Point Loma.

“Beginning early 2030s, U.S. will sell three Virginia Class submarines to Australia with the potential to sell up to two more if needed,” said President Joe Biden on stage at Naval Base Point Loma with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Australia can access nuclear-powered submarines, which will be able to provide an assured undersea capability that contributes to stability, peace, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and around the world, as a counterweight to China’s military buildup.

China disapproved of the deal. They have argued that AUKUS violates the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Australian officials contradicted the criticism, AUKUS is for nuclear submarines, not nuclear weapons.

Biden also emphasized, “Nuclear-powered, not nuclear-armed,” adding, “The element goal is developing something new together. AUKUS is not nuclear weapons, and it will become a future standard for both the U.K. Royal Navy and Australian Royal Navy.”

Albanese said, “AUKUS represents the biggest single investment in Australia’s defense capability in all of our history.”

Air Force One flies past Cabrillo National Monument and over the Coronado Bridge to land at North Island Air Station on Coronado Island on March 13. CHRIS MANNERINO/PENINSULA BEACON

It is the first time in 65 years that the U.S. has shared the highly complicated technology of its nuclear submarines with another country. Biden also met with Albanese and Sunak individually to discuss their strategy for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the global economy, and more.

San Diego was Biden’s first stop in his three-day trip to California and Nevada. He discussed gun violence prevention in the community of Monterey Park, and lower prescription drug costs in Las Vegas.

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