Inside Story

Can a new alliance in the Asia Pacific deter China?

The US, Australia and UK have announced a major defence agreement in the Asia Pacific.

It is a new military alliance that caused reactions around the world.

China has strongly criticised the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom after they announced a new deal that will see Canberra get nuclear-powered submarines.

But the alliance is pushing back against Beijing.

The US secretaries of state and defence met Australian officials and accused China of making expansive and illegal maritime claims.

Many see the new alliance in the Asia Pacific as another attempt to contain China’s influence in the region.

Beijing has accused the three powers of having a “Cold War mentality”.

Will this alliance work?

Presenter: Emily Angwin

Guests: 

Peter Mathews – Professor of political science and international relations at Cypress College

Michael Shoebridge – Director of Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s Defence, Strategy and National Security programme

Einar Tangen – Political and economic affairs commentator specialising in China