He confirmed that the two countries had discussed South Korea's potential contribution to a defense technology sharing agreement between Australia, the UK and the US.
“We support Aukus Pillar 2's activities and welcome members to consider South Korea as a partner for Aukus Pillar 2.”
03:38
Biden tells Australian Albanians during Washington visit that Oakes will 'get it done'
Biden tells Australian Albanians during Washington visit that Oakes will 'get it done'
After the 2+2 meeting, Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles said, “South Korea is a country with extremely superior technology and we share common values.''
“There will be opportunities in the future as Aukus Pillar 2 develops, and we see that playing out in our relationship with Japan as well.”
Only two countries, Russia and China, reportedly operate hypersonic missiles in their militaries, while the United States and its allies are still in the development stages of hypersonic weapons technology.
In August 2020, then South Korean Defense Minister Jeong Kyung-doo revealed South Korea's hypersonic missile development plan for the first time. Subsequently, a test prototype of South Korea's hypersonic cruise missile called “Hicore” was unveiled in 2021.
The ability to collaborate on important projects in long-range strikes through hypersonic and counter-hypersonic defense systems will allow South Korea to bring significant expertise to any cooperation.
Australian Strategic Policy Institute senior analyst Malcolm Davis said the addition of South Korea's advanced defense and high-tech sectors, including developments in priority areas such as hypersonics, would make a “good contribution” to Oaks' second pillar. ” he said.
“South Korea will have the ability to cooperate on important projects in hypersonic long-range attack and counter-hypersonic defense systems.” [Republic of Korea] We bring tremendous expertise to any collaboration and have the potential to open new avenues of development,” Davis said.
“For example, one of the areas that could be pursued beyond military technology is rapid hypersonic space access, which will be incorporated into significant opportunities for space cooperation between Australia and South Korea in the space sector. Dew.”
“[China and Russia] “The United States is more advanced in the development and deployment of such technology and its tactical advantages, including immediate strike capabilities with enhanced range and the ability to penetrate integrated air and missile defenses,” Davis said.
Davis said the Chinese government “strongly opposes” any move by the South Korean government to support or join the Defense Technology Sharing Partnership.
“China is certain to criticize South Korea and perhaps pressure it to withdraw from such a move, and may try to take advantage of South Korea's internal political dynamics,” he said.
James Lewis, senior vice president and strategic technology program director at the Washington-based think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies, said the South Korean government's participation in Oaks Pillar 2 “brings South Korea “closer to global goals.” This will be a way to demonstrate that.” the United States and its allies. ”
“The Koreans probably want the technical cooperation to be less provocative. South Korea is rethinking its foreign policy and wants to not provoke China, but it doesn't want to become a vassal state,” Lewis said. said.
“This is also a signal to China that playing the neighborhood bully has consequences. South Korea's focus on the Oaks is a political gesture that, while falling short of a military alliance, is a step closer.” .
“In terms of technology, we are concerned that South Korea is losing its technological edge and is looking for outside help to revitalize. Aukus is the perfect antidote to tech parochialism. maybe.”
