Australia signs agreements with the UK and the US allowing the exchange of nuclear secrets.

According to AFP , Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles emphasized: "This agreement is an important step towards Australia acquiring conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Navy."

According to him, Australia's acquisition of a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines would set the "highest standard for nuclear non-proliferation," while emphasizing that the country is not seeking nuclear weapons.

The latest agreement, signed in Washington last week and submitted to Australian parliament today (August 12), includes a provision allowing Canberra to reimburse partners for any legal liability for nuclear risks from materials shipped to the Oceanic nation.

According to the report, nuclear material for future submarine propulsion systems will be shipped from the US or the UK in the form of "complete welded power units".

However, Australia will be responsible for storing and processing spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste from the nuclear power plants transferred under the agreement.

The transfer agreement states: "Submarines are an essential part of Australia's naval capabilities, providing a strategic advantage in terms of monitoring and protecting our sea lanes."

In April, during a visit to Australia, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned that AUKUS posed a "serious risk of nuclear proliferation," arguing that this contradicted the South Pacific Treaty banning nuclear weapons in the region.