China firmly opposes AUKUS submarine deal

China has again voiced opposition to the submarine cooperation deal between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia, amid reports that the Pentagon is reviewing the deal.

"The Chinese side has made clear its position over the US, UK and Australia establishing the so-called security partnership and advancing cooperation over nuclear submarine and other cutting-edge military technologies," Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Thursday.

"We always oppose creating bloc confrontation, increasing the risk of nuclear proliferation and intensifying arms races," Lin said.

The US, UK and Australia established the AUKUS partnership in September 2021, aiming to provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines.

The Pentagon said it "is reviewing AUKUS as part of ensuring that this initiative of the previous Administration is aligned with the President (Donald Trump)'s America First agenda," Xinhua reported.