Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States have once again staunchly defended their landmark AUKUS nuclear propulsion partnership, pushing back against criticism from other nations regarding potential proliferation risks.
In a forceful joint statement delivered to the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Board of Governors meeting in Vienna this week, the three allies maintained their commitment to upholding the highest non-proliferation standards.
Rejecting “Mischaracterizations” and Politicization
The allies expressed “deep concern” over what they characterized as “serious mischaracterizations and misleading assertions” about Australia’s plans to acquire nuclear-powered submarines. They accused certain countries, though not named explicitly, of disregarding information provided “in good faith” and the IAEA Director General’s own reassurances.
A key point of contention has been the ongoing quarterly discussion of the AUKUS issue at the Board’s meetings – something the allies deem unnecessary politicization given the IAEA head’s satisfaction with current arrangements.
As the joint statement bluntly stated:
“It is difficult to understand why these states do not apply their own logic to this issue. Why, when the Director General has expressed his satisfaction and a majority of the Board has expressed no desire for quarterly discussion on one country’s naval nuclear propulsion program, do we continue to have this item added to the agenda?”
Safeguards Commitments |
|---|
| – Australia will not enrich uranium or reprocess spent fuel |
| – IAEA to maintain oversight of all nuclear material |
| – Verification of no diversion, misuse, or undeclared activities |
Respect for IAEA’s Technical Independence
A core theme was respecting the IAEA’s independent technical mandate. The allies rejected suggestions of an “intergovernmental process” that could subject the agency’s work to political interference, stressing all nations’ interest in protecting its impartiality.
Rebuffing calls for the IAEA’s advisory body SAGSI to be consulted, the statement deferred to Director General Grossi’s prerogative, saying:
“It is not this Board’s responsibility to dictate whether or how the Director General receives input from his own advisory group.”
The allies also commited to
“continue to keep the Board updated on our engagement, as appropriate” regarding safeguards implementation and relevant future developments.
Steadfast Defense, but Some Concessions
While firmly doubling down on their position, there were minor concessions. The UK representative acknowledged organizing a side event on the topic as “highly unusual,” if done transparently. And on the AUKUS partners’ part, they welcomed questions in future forums and NPT meetings.
With Australia’s submarine industrial partners now announced and some maintenance activities scheduled for late 2024, the path ahead seems set – though further scrutiny is expected. As one diplomat quipped: “They’re full steam ahead on those nuclear-powered engines, it seems.”
Sources: THX News, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Ian Biggs, Australian Ambassador to the IAEA & Laura Holgate, US Ambassador to the IAEA.
