Washington, August 15 (EFE).- Washington took another step this Thursday to strengthen the AUKUS military pact, formed by Australia, Britain and the United States to counter China in the Pacific, by allowing exceptions to export permits for military technology and materials to both his partner.

The move, announced by the US Department of State in a statement which added that Australia and the UK had implemented a reciprocal policy, would speed up exports of defense equipment between the three countries.

US military technology transfers are controlled by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), which impose barriers to equipment exports.

The Department of Foreign Affairs notes that Australia and the UK will be exempt from this regulation from 1 September.

“The changes implemented by this rule will maximize innovation and mutually strengthen our three defense industrial bases by facilitating billions of dollars in secure, license-free defense trade,” the US Government said.

The AUKUS military agreement was announced by the three countries in September 2021. As part of the agreement, Australia will acquire British-designed nuclear-powered attack submarines and American nuclear technology.

In addition, the three countries will collaborate on the development of technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, hypersonic weapons and electronic warfare.

The military pact is a response to China’s growing naval and military power in the Pacific region.

In its 2023 report on China’s military power, the Pentagon noted that China is embarking on “rapid modernization and diversification and expansion of its nuclear forces.”

The report increases the number of nuclear warheads operational in China by May 2023 to more than 500, exceeding previous predictions. Specifically regarding naval issues, he said that China already has the largest military force in the world, with more than 370 ships and submarines. EFE

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