AUKUS

Pacific Region Media

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30 days

Summary

sources
32
Narrative Items
116
Bottom Line Up Front

32 sources in Pacific Region Media are amplifying 116 narrative items relating to the narrative of the AUKUS agreement, highlighting concerns over Australia's sovereignty, regional security, and the implications of nuclear submarine cooperation. The narratives connect themes of political controversy, international relations, and economic opportunities, reflecting the complex dynamics surrounding defense partnerships.

Reviewing a number of the most relevant narrative items indicates that media sources are portraying the updated AUKUS agreement and its implications in varied lights, reflecting their geopolitical perspectives. Ecns.cn and China Xinhua News emphasize the negative consequences of the deal, suggesting it threatens regional peace and exacerbates sovereignty concerns, employing emotionally charged language that underscores the seriousness of the issue for China and its allies. In contrast, Business News and Perth Now present a more positive view, highlighting the economic and security benefits of the AUKUS partnership, with phrases that focus on opportunities and job creation, thereby avoiding more contentious implications. China Daily takes a similarly critical stance as the Chinese sources, arguing that the agreement undermines international norms, while also echoing strong sentiments against it. Independent Australia features former Prime Minister Paul Keating's vehement critique, injecting substantial rhetoric that frames the deal as a dangerous alliance with aggressive implications. The Asia Times adopts a more neutral tone, suggesting the deal's fleeting political popularity rather than its substantive impact on national security, thus providing a pragmatic view of the political landscape surrounding AUKUS. Overall, the coverage reflects a clear divide, with Western outlets generally adopting a more supportive and optimistic perspective, while Chinese sources express strong opposition, employing techniques such as loaded language to sway their respective audiences.

About This Module

The Pacific Region Media module tracks a large number of news organizations and journalists operating in, and reporting on, the Indo-Pacific region.

Themes

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These adjacent themes are currently being amplified along with the main narrative
Public Voices in Media
Marilyn Lebeter expresses gratitude for the Herald's support of public opinion, highlighting Pat Stringa's role in maintaining quality content.
Concerns Over Commercial E-Scooters
Camillo argues that if hire companies cannot resolve footpath riding and parking issues, the City of Melbourne should ban commercial e-scooters.
AUKUS Submarine Deal
Australia is heavily invested in the AUKUS submarine deal, navigating political and naval challenges in the US to ensure its success.
New treaty enhances regional security cooperation
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indonesia's President-elect Prabowo Subianto unveil a significant defense pact aimed at bolstering security in a tense regional landscape.
Debate on racism and refugee perceptions
In a heated exchange, Steggall challenges Dutton's remarks linking Palestinian refugees to terrorism.
Strengthening ties through sport and development
During the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum, New Zealand and Tonga's leaders highlighted their enduring relationship and collaborative efforts in policing and development initiatives.

Sources

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These sources are generating the most narrative activity
Crikey
16% of the narratives in this brief were amplified by this source.
Perth Now
14% of the narratives in this brief were amplified by this source.
Asia Times
8% of the narratives in this brief were amplified by this source.
The Sydney Morning Herald
6% of the narratives in this brief were amplified by this source.
South China Morning Post
5% of the narratives in this brief were amplified by this source.
The Age News
5% of the narratives in this brief were amplified by this source.
Business News (Australia)
5% of the narratives in this brief were amplified by this source.
China Daily
4% of the narratives in this brief were amplified by this source.
The Diplomat
3% of the narratives in this brief were amplified by this source.
Newsroom NZ
3% of the narratives in this brief were amplified by this source.

Entities

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These entities are mentioned most frequently in the narratives highlighted in this brief
Events
AUKUS Agreement
A trilateral security partnership between Australia, the UK, and the US.
NPT Concerns Raised
Concerns regarding the impact of AUKUS on nonproliferation treaty.
USS Hawaii Docking
The USS Hawaii, a Virginia-class submarine, docked at HMAS Stirling.
People
Anthony Albanese
The Prime Minister of Australia, defending the AUKUS agreement.
Paul Keating
Former Prime Minister of Australia, criticized the AUKUS partnership.
Richard V Spencer
Former US Secretary of Navy, now chair of Austal.
Technologies
Nuclear-powered submarines
Submarines that are powered by nuclear energy, being acquired under AUKUS.
Virginia-class submarines
Submarine class that Australia plans to purchase as part of AUKUS.
Organizations
US Department of Defense
Government department involved in defense agreements with Australia.
Chinese Foreign Ministry
Spearheading opposition against the AUKUS partnership.
Companies
Austal
Major Australian defense shipbuilder involved in AUKUS.
ASC Pty Ltd
Submarine builder expected to create jobs in the defense sector.

Top Items

These narrative items are the most relevant and/or the most amplified
Amplifiers:
Ecns.cn
ecns.cn
New AUKUS deal sparks political storm
Updated AUKUS agreement tabled in the Australian parliament has done nothing to dispel concerns about the controversial A$368 billion ($245 million) nuclear submarine deal. The agreement, comprising Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, allows the UK or the U.S. to withdraw with one year's notice. The revelation has sparked a renewed political storm over Australia's sovereignty and forced Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's government on the defensive.
Amplifiers:
China Xinhua News
english.news.cn
AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine cooperation harms efforts to keep region peaceful, secure: FM spokesperson
AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine cooperation harms efforts to keep region peaceful, secure: Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson. China and relevant countries in the region have expressed more than once serious concerns and firm opposition. China calls on the international community to take seriously the impact of AUKU cooperation on the authority and effectiveness of NPT.
Amplifiers:
Business News (Australia)
businessnews.com.au
Austal’s Spencer backs Aukus synergy
Richard V Spencer, former US Secretary of Navy, is now chair of Austal, a major defence shipbuilder. His experience and the Aukus partnership, particularly Pillar II, create opportunities for Austal to play a significant role in global defence and technology sharing, particularly in Australia, where Austal is the chosen strategic shipbuilder. Spencer believes this collaboration will benefit both sides, strengthening global order and Australian security.
Amplifiers:
Perth Now
perthnow.com.au
Defence trade between AUKUS partners 'streamlined'
Licence-free trade will be enabled for more than 70 per cent of defence exports from the US to Australia that are subject to regulations, from September 1. It's expected some 900 export permits will be eliminated, freeing up defence exports valued at $5 billion per year to the United States and the United Kingdom. The changes to AUKUS will slash red tape and unlock billions of dollars in investment, officials say.
Amplifiers:
China Daily
chinadaily.com.cn
New AUKUS deal sparks political storm
Updated AUKUS agreement tabled in Australian parliament has done nothing to dispel concerns about the controversial A$368 billion ($245 million) nuclear submarine deal. The agreement, comprising Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, allows the UK or the US to withdraw with one year's notice. The revelation has sparked a renewed political storm over Australia's sovereignty. Former prime minister Paul Keating has weighed in on the debate with a stinging attack on the government.
Amplifiers:
Perth Now
perthnow.com.au
‘National interest’: Albo’s AUKUS China dodge
Anthony Albanese dodged a question about the purpose of AUKUS while spruiking a new jobs for subs initiative in Western Australia. The Prime Minister was asked if the trilateral defence pact was designed to fight a third world war, possibly against China, or prevent one. Mr Albanese turned his attention to the USS Hawaii, an American Virginia-class submarine that is docked at HMAS Stirling, where it is being worked on by both Australian and US defence personnel.
Amplifiers:
Independent Australia
independentaustralia.net
Paul Keating lashes out at AUKUS upgrade
Paul Keating lashes out at AUKUS upgrade revisions to increase the U.S. militarisation of Australia. The former Prime Minister has made fighting the imperialising leprosy of the pact a matter of solemn duty. He excoriated a Canberra press gallery seduced and tantalised by the prospect of nuclear-powered submarines, calling the Albanese Governments complicit arrangements with the US and UK to acquire such a capability.
Amplifiers:
Newsroom NZ
newsroom.co.nz
Aukus polling shows partisan divide, low awareness
New Zealanders are divided on the Aukus security pact, with more supporting the Government's talks than opposing them. However, a significant portion of the population is unaware of the deal, suggesting the debate hasn't reached the wider public.
Amplifiers:
China Daily
chinadaily.com.cn
AUKUS distorts deterrence into aggression: China Daily editorial
Australia has signed a cooperation deal with the United States and the United Kingdom on the transfer of US and UK nuclear material and know-how to the country. The deal - signed in Washington last week and tabled in the Australian parliament on Monday - is part of the so-called AUKUS partnership. Tripartite security mechanism will allow Australia to purchase up to five Virginia-class submarines at a cost of A$368 billion ($244 billion) over 30 years. China has always strongly opposed the deal, given that it undermines the international nuclear nonproliferation regime and poses a threat to regional peace.
Amplifiers:
Perth Now
perthnow.com.au
Entry-level workers set to support AUKUS submarines
Up to five nuclear-powered submarines will have a presence at the HMAS Stirling naval base south of Perth from as early as 2027. Submarine builder ASC Pty Ltd will be able to hire about 200 entry-level workers over the next two years. The new jobs will span fabrication, machining, engineering, project management, supply chain and operations.

Context

The AUKUS agreement, involving Australia, the UK, and the US, has significant implications for regional security dynamics, particularly in the context of rising tensions with China. Australia, with a population of approximately 26 million, is strategically located in the Indo-Pacific region, making it a key player in balancing power against China's growing influence. The deal, valued at A$368 billion, raises concerns about sovereignty and the potential for increased militarization, as critics argue it may entangle Australia in conflicts not directly related to its national interests.

Demographically, Australia is a multicultural society, with a significant portion of its population being of Asian descent, including a large Chinese community. This diversity complicates public sentiment regarding defense agreements perceived as aggressive. Economically, the AUKUS deal is expected to create jobs in the defense sector, particularly in shipbuilding, but it also raises questions about the allocation of resources and the prioritization of military spending over social services.

Politically, the agreement has sparked debate within Australia, with former leaders like Paul Keating criticizing the government's alignment with US military strategies. The potential for the UK or US to withdraw from the agreement with a year's notice adds to the uncertainty surrounding Australia's long-term defense posture.

Geographically, the presence of nuclear-powered submarines at HMAS Stirling near Perth will enhance Australia's naval capabilities but also escalate regional tensions, particularly with China, which views the AUKUS partnership as a threat to peace and stability. National security considerations are paramount, as Australia navigates its role in a complex geopolitical landscape while balancing domestic and international pressures.