Nuke Submarine Switcheroo Makes Security Waves
The USS Ronald Reagan and USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Groups steam in formation in the South China Sea.
Photographer: Petty Officer 3rd Class Jason Ta/U.S. Navy/AP
Australia’s move to dump a massive contract with France for conventional submarines and switch to nuclear-powered vessels built with U.S. help has significant ripple effects for global security.
The first takeaway is the U.S. geopolitical priority is China, China, China. The submarine plan is the centerpiece of an enhanced U.S.-U.K.-Australia alliance with the goal of countering Beijing. President Joe Biden has spoken of the need to train his energies on China, and the recent withdrawal from Afghanistan reflects that too.