TheLittleTwentieth – Renowned Papers Edition, AI Infused

Local sources from South Korea: 이투데이, 뉴스타운.
UK coverage: The Times.

South Korea has confirmed that it is in talks to join the Aukus grouping, which includes Australia, Britain, and the United States. The expansion of the alliance has sparked anger from China and raised concerns that it could become an Asian version of NATO, potentially leading to a new cold war. Japan’s Prime Minister has also discussed the possibility of joining Aukus with President Biden, and there is interest from New Zealand and Canada as well. It remains to be seen whether these countries will ultimately join the alliance.

According to a report from 이투데이, the leaders of the United States and Japan have promised to strengthen defense and security cooperation. They are considering participating together in select projects regarding Japan’s involvement in AUKUS. US President Joe Biden stated, ‘Today, we announce a vision to cooperate in the establishment of a joint air and missile defense system among the United States, Japan, and Australia in response to increasing aerial and missile threats.’ The report also mentions progress in the establishment of annual multilateral exercises among the United States, Japan, and South Korea.

Meanwhile, 뉴스타운 reports that South Korea is considering sharing advanced military technology with the three countries in the AUKUS partnership. South Korean Defense Minister Suh Wonsik revealed that this possibility was discussed during the South Korea-Australia defense and diplomatic ministerial talks. The AUKUS Pillar 2 agreement allows countries to cooperate on security technologies such as artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, and hypersonic systems. Japan is also conducting official negotiations to participate in the technology development and sharing of AUKUS Pillar 2.

The potential inclusion of South Korea and Japan in AUKUS has raised concerns and sparked anger from China. The expansion of the alliance is seen as a threat and has the potential to escalate tensions in the region. China’s military buildup and assertive actions in the South China Sea have already strained relations with neighboring countries. The possibility of an Asian version of NATO has further raised concerns about the potential for a new cold war.

While the United States and its allies see AUKUS as a way to counter China’s growing influence and assertiveness, it remains to be seen whether other countries, such as New Zealand and Canada, will ultimately join the alliance. The decision to join AUKUS will have significant implications for regional security and stability, and it is a development that will continue to be closely watched by the international community.