China's neighbours worry Australia sub deal will disrupt region


Indonesian president Joko Widodo. Indonesia was the first country in the region to criticise AUKUS, saying it was "deeply concerned over the continuing arms race and power projection in the region.” - Starpic

BEIJING (Bloomberg): France isn’t the only country upset about a new security pact between the US, UK and Australia: Some South-East Asian nations are also worried the partnership could provoke China and spur a regional arms race.

The so-called AUKUS partnership, which will help Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarines, prompted China last week to warn of an arms race in a region riven by maritime territorial disputes. Since then, two key members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations -- Indonesia and Malaysia -- have voiced similar concerns.

The Star Christmas Special Promo: Save 35% OFF Yearly. T&C applies.

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
Asean , AUKUS , Australia , defence. submarine

Next In Aseanplus News

China food delivery platform names Jay Chou as brand ambassador, supported by lookalikes
Oman says foreign minister met Saudi counterpart to discuss Yemen
Asean Cup - Looking back: Singapore's Asean football success on the shoulder of Sasikumar
Asean news headlines as at 10pm on Wednesday (Dec 31)
World begins to welcome 2026 after a year of Trump, truces and turmoil
Xi says China to hit 2025 growth target of 'around 5 per cent'
Community service orders to take effect tomorrow to curb minor littering
Sydney brings in New Year with nod to victims of Bondi attack
Singapore economy grew 4.8% in 2025, strategy must be refreshed to stay competitive: PM Wong
GOF says it has nabbed over 1,600 people, seized goods worth RM1.1bil in 2025

Others Also Read