The United States, Britain and Australia are developing their triangular ties over a list of advanced military skills, White House news correspondent Jen Psaki said on Wednesday, denying media reports that the group was asking Japan to participate.
The report is “inaccurate,” said Psaki, noting that a spokesman for Japan’s top government has also denied allegations that Tokyo was asked to take part in possible AUKUS.
“We are focused on completing a three-pronged work program on advanced military skills that directs our priorities, enhances our collective capacity and accelerates the development and acquisition of advanced defense capabilities,” said Psaki.
“It is not a ‘JAUKUS’ program,” he added.
The Japanese daily Sankei Shimbun newspaper reported on Tuesday that each AUKUS member had randomly asked Japan, a key US security alliance, about its possible accession, which was launched in September last year with a focus on the Indo-Pacific region during China’s growth. vaccination.
The paper added that if Japan were to join AUKUS, representing Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, the expanded alliance might be called “JAUKUS.”
Under the first AUKUS program, Australia will seek to acquire nuclear submarines through technical cooperation with other partners.
Leaders of the three countries also announced earlier this month a new trilateral partnership in the development of hypersonic weapons and nuclear warfare.
They also say they will “seek opportunities to negotiate with partners and close associates” as their work progresses in the vital capacity of protection and security.