U.S., UK aid to Australia's acquisition of nuclear submarines "sheer act of nuclear proliferation": Chinese envoy (3)

A lantern is seen on the doorstep of 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, on March 23, 2021. (Xinhua/Ray Tang)

"Given the ongoing review and discussions of the Korean Peninsula and Iranian nuclear issues at the IAEA Board of Governors and the General Conference, it is essential that all members of the Board and international organizations including IAEA, make solemn position on the trilateral collaboration among the U.S., UK and Australia in helping Australia develop nuclear-powered submarine, in promotion of the full and effective implementation of international non-proliferation obligations under the NPT by all countries," he stated.

Exporting highly sensitive nuclear submarine technology to Australia has shown that the U.S. and the UK have "once again adopted a double standard on nuclear export", and "have taken nuclear export as a means of their geo-political game", Wang pointed out.

Wang said that, in the meantime, it is "utterly irresponsible" for Australia, as a non-nuclear state and state party to the NPT and South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty, to import nuclear submarine technology with strategic militarily value.

"The international community, including neighboring countries, has every reason to question Australia's sincerity in implementation of nuclear non-proliferation commitment under the relevant treaties," he said.

The trilateral collaboration by the U.S., the UK and Australia "will seriously impair the regional peace and stability, escalate arms race, to the detriment of international peace and security," Wang added.

Wang said that China will closely follow its development and reserve the right to make further responses. In the meantime, China will call on the international community to "work together to check such a dangerous act".

In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, governments of the U.S., the UK and Australia announced the creation of a new trilateral security partnership called "AUKUS," which will help "significantly deepen cooperation on a range of security and defense capabilities".

The first initiative under AUKUS will be the delivery of a nuclear-powered submarine fleet for Australia, and the three countries will spend as many as 18 months discussing how this capability will be delivered, according to the statement.