President Joe Biden is scheduled to convene with two of America’s closest allies and reveal that Australia plans to acquire U.S.-made nuclear-powered attack submarines to update its navy, as worries over China’s control in the Indo-Pacific area continue to escalate.

On Monday, President Joe Biden is scheduled to travel to San Diego for a meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

The three leaders will discuss the 18-month-old nuclear partnership known as AUKUS, which aims to provide Australia with U.S.-manufactured, nuclear-powered attack submarines to modernize its fleet.

The meeting comes amid increasing concerns about China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region, the Associated Press reported.

Announced in 2021, the AUKUS partnership paved the way for Australia to gain access to nuclear-powered submarines, which are stealthier and more capable than conventionally powered boats, as a means of countering China’s military buildup.

During his three-day trip to California and Nevada, President Joe Biden will make his first stop in San Diego, where he will meet with the Australian and British Prime Ministers to announce the purchase of U.S.-manufactured nuclear-powered attack submarines by Australia.

The purpose of the purchase is to modernize Australia’s fleet and counterbalance China’s military expansion in the Indo-Pacific region, as reported by the AP.

Additionally, Biden will discuss gun violence prevention in Monterey Park, California, and his plans to reduce prescription drug costs in Las Vegas.

The trip will also involve fundraising activities as Biden ramps up his political efforts ahead of his anticipated announcement next month regarding his re-election bid in 2024.

Two anonymous sources familiar with the agreement have revealed that Australia will acquire up to five Virginia-class submarines as part of the AUKUS partnership.

The plan also involves the construction of a future generation of submarines in the UK and Australia, with the support and technology from the US. The current arrangement calls for all Australian submarines to be built in Adelaide, Australia.

Written by staff