Australia’s Defence Minister Richard Marles has sounded the alarm over the growing risk of a new cycle of nuclear proliferation in Europe and Asia, driven by rapid nuclear modernization by China, Russia’s strategic ties with North Korea, and the erosion of key arms control treaties.
Speaking ahead of the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore, Marles emphasized that the Cold War-era arms control framework focused mainly on warhead counts and delivery systems is no longer adequate to address today’s complexities, including the weaponization of space, cyber warfare, and the integration of nuclear weapons with autonomous technologies.
Marles condemned Russia for its nuclear threats amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a country that relinquished its nuclear arsenal decades ago, and expressed concern over Russia’s probable transfer of nuclear technology to North Korea, which he said places “intolerable pressure on South Korea.”
He also highlighted China’s aggressive expansion and modernization of its nuclear arsenal, aiming to reach or surpass parity with the United States, underscoring the urgent need to revitalize strategic arms control efforts.
The Defence Minister warned that these developments could undermine the United States’ extended nuclear deterrence strategy, increasing instability in the region.
Marles reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to ensuring that the nuclear-powered and conventionally armed submarines it plans to acquire from the United States under the AUKUS pact comply with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
The Shangri-La Dialogue, taking place from May 30 to June 1, gathers defence ministers, senior military officials, and diplomats worldwide to discuss pressing security challenges, including nuclear risks.
