Compare and contrast the frenetic, largely unwanted and unnecessary manoeuvres to create a common EU defence union, with the methodical, steadfast construction of Aukus as a formidable Indo-Pacific entente to counter the Chinese threat.

Only this week, South Korea signalled its intent to join the alliance and share advanced military technology with the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.

Aukus began in September 2021 between Australia, the UK and USA to supply Canberra with a fleet of nuclear-propelled submarines better able to confront Chinese regional expansionism. Building on their near eight-decade ultra-secret intelligence sharing agreement, Five Eyes, the three core members of Aukus now partner strategically and technologically in everything from nuclear to quantum computers and defence.

Moving incrementally and pragmatically, the core three then signalled that others could join them in a second non-nuclear stage, or ‘Pillar 2’, that aims to share sophisticated military technology.

Canada and New Zealand, the remaining two Five Eyes partners, wish to fully join the alliance. Meanwhile South Korea and Japan are moving to join Pillar 2. Both have formidable defence, science and technological........

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