Concerns in Australia Over Potential Nuclear Armament of US Submarines

The possibility of US submarines, which will be serviced in Australia, being armed with nuclear weapons has sparked concern in the country. According to ABC, meetings have taken place between local residents and representatives of the Royal Australian Navy in Rockingham, Australia, where the submarines will be serviced at HMAS Stirling starting in 2027.

"Some speakers expressed concerns about radioactive waste and the possibility that US submarines could be armed with nuclear weapons in the future," ABC reported.

Earlier, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Qiang stated that cooperation between the US, the UK, and Australia (AUKUS countries) regarding nuclear submarines violates the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, and that the international community should assess this cooperation.