US Replicates NATO 3.0 in Asia via AUKUS+ to Contain China
In early August, Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby announced in Manila that the U.S. is adopting the NATO 3.0 framework in Asia through the AUKUS+ alliance. He highlighted the importance of deterrence along the first island chain, identifying the Philippines as a 'model ally' in efforts to counter China. Colby referred to the National Security Strategy and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue. The Philippines is anticipated to become a strategic military stronghold for U.S. forces. Concurrently, discussions in Australia about AUKUS focus on a security agreement that entails substantial investment in nuclear submarines. Analyst Bryan Clark expressed concerns regarding Australia's military funding issues and reliance on U.S. defense, which could threaten global stability and increase the risk of World War III.
Key facts
- Elbridge Colby gave a speech in Manila in early August introducing NATO 3.0 concept to Asia.
- The US is implementing NATO 3.0 through the AUKUS+ network to contain China.
- Colby cited National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy, and Pete Hegseth's Shangri-La Dialogue speech.
- The Philippines is described as a 'model ally' and irreplaceable to AUKUS+.
- AUKUS Public Inquiry in Australia continues hearings on the security pact.
- Australia is spending hundreds of billions on nuclear-powered submarines that may never arrive.
- Bryan Clark of Hudson Institute assessed AUKUS as a great deal for the US but not for Australia.
- Australia is building a maintenance facility at Henderson and pier infrastructure for Submarine Rotational Force–West.
Entities
Institutions
- NATO
- AUKUS
- Hudson Institute
- US Navy
- Australian Government
- US Department of Defense
- Shangri-La Dialogue
- National Security Strategy
- National Defense Strategy
Locations
- United States
- Australia
- China
- Philippines
- Manila
- Japan
- Borneo
- Henderson
- Guam
- Hawaii
- Christmas Island
- Poland
- Russia
- Ukraine
- Taiwan
- Moscow