Will AUKUS nuclear sub deal provoke China?

Key points· Video

• Australia has placed a massive bet on a long-term deal with the UK and US that is projected to cost $264 billion.
• The deal, better known as AUKUS for the countries involved, includes the stationing of US and British nuclear-powered attack submarines in Australia beginning in 2027, the transfer of US subs to Australia in the 2030s, and eventually the development by all three countries of an entirely new class of submarine in the 2040s.
• But given the massive shifts taking place especially growing questions about US security commitments to many allies, including from Donald Trump, will Washington live up what it has promised?
• AUKUS is almost five years old and was designed to improve the balance of power vs China in the Indo-Pacific.
• But is that still a US priority?