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UK and Australia Pledge Joint Defence Readiness Over Taiwan

The Geelong Treaty cements AUKUS nuclear submarine collaboration to back stepped-up carrier drills alongside planned Taiwan Strait transits

Overview

  • Defence Secretary John Healey declared that the UK stands ready to fight alongside Australia in the Pacific if conflict breaks out over Taiwan.
  • Healey made his remarks aboard HMS Prince of Wales docked in Darwin for joint war games with Australian and US forces.
  • Ministers signed the Geelong Treaty, establishing a 50-year framework for AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine development to reinforce long-term deterrence.
  • Foreign Secretary David Lammy said Britain will increase freedom of navigation operations through the Taiwan Strait to uphold international maritime rules.
  • China’s embassy in London issued a formal protest, accusing the UK-Australia joint statements of unwarranted accusations and political manipulation.