AUKUS four years on: ‘Ghost sharks’ and genocide complicity

Defence minister Richard Marles has been zipping around the world, promising even more public funds for weapons’ procurement and development for wars being concocted by the Donald Trump administration.

It’s not entirely clear what Marles’ most recent visit to Washington was about, other than another kowtow to the “strong partnership” between Australia and the United States.

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However, Marles gave more details about his September visit to Japan.

He gushed that Australia and Japan are “steadfast” in their “commitment to working with the United States” and announced a contract with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to build Mogami-class frigates — a “larger and more lethal surface combatant fleet” to replace Anzac-class frigates. The first of these new weapons, equipped for undersea warfare and air attacks, is expected in 2029.

As the controversial AUKUS military pact moves into its third year, Australia, as the US’ deputy sheriff in the Asia Pacific, is drawing Japan into the military alliance.

More than 1500 Japanese........

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