Discussions about South Korea’s potential membership in the AUKUS alliance and sharing military technology with the US, UK, and Australia took place during meetings between South Korea and Australia’s defense and foreign ministers in Melbourne. According to Defense Minister Shin Won-sik, South Korea is considering joining AUKUS as a Pillar 2 partner.
The AUKUS partnership was formed in 2021 to provide Australia with submarines powered by US nuclear technology as a response to China’s increasing military presence. The countries involved may expand their cooperation to include security technologies such as artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, and hypersonic systems under AUKUS Pillar 2. Shin expressed his appreciation for South Korea being invited to join AUKUS as a Pillar 2 partner and highlighted the potential for Korea’s defense science and technology capabilities to contribute to regional peace and stability.
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles welcomed South Korea’s efforts to strengthen its relationship with Japan, which, along with Australia, the US, and India, form a security dialogue known as the Quad. Marles sees this as a positive step in enhancing the strategic landscape of the region and creating opportunities for Australia to engage with both Korea and Japan in upholding the rules-based order. Meanwhile, Japan is also considering participating in AUKUS Pillar 2.
