Aukus is among Australia’s worst foreign policy decisions and requires ‘heroic’ optimism, Gareth Evans says

Former Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Gareth Evans has labeled the Aukus security pact as one of the nation's most detrimental foreign policy choices. He argues that the agreement, which involves acquiring nuclear-powered submarines from the US and UK, primarily serves to bolster the American military fleet. Evans expressed skepticism about the belief that the US would unconditionally defend Australia against an existential threat, calling it a "ludicrous delusion."

He presented these views in evidence to an independent public inquiry into the $368 billion defense deal. The former minister suggests the pact's primary driver is to counter perceived Chinese nuclear threats to the United States.

This assessment challenges the strategic rationale behind a significant defense agreement, raising questions about Australia's security and its relationship with allies.