Trump's return to the White House triggers trust crisis as Australia raises questions about the AUKUS agreement.

SYDNEY, AFP, May 30 - The major security agreement "AUKUS" aims to reshape Australia's navy with American military power, but it is facing increasing skepticism due to its staggering cost and growing distrust in U.S. President Trump.

Australia will hold a federal election on May 3, yet this comprehensive agreement remains the only issue that has not been discussed at all during the fiercely contested campaign.

The AUKUS agreement was signed in grand ceremony by Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom in 2021, launching decades of cooperation to address challenges in the Asia-Pacific region.

According to the agreement, Washington, London, and Canberra will jointly develop cyber warfare tools, artificial intelligence (AI), and hypersonic missiles.

AFP reported that a key focus of the agreement is that Australia will acquire an advanced fleet of nuclear-powered submarines from the United States.

Australia plans to purchase at least three "Virginia-class" nuclear-powered submarines from the U.S. over the next 10 to 15 years; ultimately, with American assistance, Australia hopes to build nuclear-powered submarines independently.

These submarines are highly classified American military hardware and will patrol the Indian Ocean-Pacific region.

The government estimates that the submarine program alone could cost Australia up to $235 billion over the next 30 years, making it the largest defense investment in Australian history.

Such huge funding, combined with Trump's return as the supreme commander of the U.S. armed forces and his "America First" foreign policy, has already prompted critics to question this agreement.

Former conservative prime minister Turnbull earlier this year stated: "AUKUS is a bad agreement. Extremely unfair for Australia."

However, the leftist current Prime Minister Albanese and conservative challenger Dutton both insist that regardless of who wins the May 3 election, AUKUS will continue to exist.

Albanese and Dutton have serious disagreements on issues ranging from climate change to immigration, but they share almost unanimous consensus on AUKUS.

Albanese said during his campaign this month: "What we need is certainty and bipartisan consensus on defense policy."

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1830820263629891/

Disclaimer: This article solely represents the author's views.