Australia’s top defense official on Fridaypushed back againstcriticism that the planned acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines would leave the country beholden to the U.S.
The comments came amid revelations thatthe U.S., U.K. and Australia had inked an updated AUKUS agreement that allows Australia to formally receive nuclear reactors, material and equipment while meeting “the highest” nonproliferation standards. It was signed earlier this week,Defense Minister Richard Marles said on Friday, and details were included in a letter U.S. President Joe Biden sent to Congress.
