Canada Eyes Deeper Role in AUKUS Amid Rising Tensions in Asia Pacific

Canada is negotiating to join the AUKUS pact with the U.S., Britain, and Australia amid China's military expansion in Asia. Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair highlighted potential collaboration on technologies like AI and quantum computing. Talks also revolve around Canadian and Japanese involvement in the expanded pact.

Canada is negotiating to join an expanded AUKUS pact alongside the U.S., Britain, and Australia, aiming to counter China's growing military influence in the Asia Pacific region. Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair emphasized the potential for collaboration on advanced military technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

In a recent interview from Tokyo, Blair discussed the evolving role of other nations, including Japan, in the AUKUS framework. He expressed optimism about these discussions, which were also a key topic during his meeting with Japanese Defence Minister Minoru Kihara. Blair's visit to Japan follows talks in South Korea, where similar discussions took place.

Canada seeks an enhanced security role in Asia, strengthening ties with Japan and South Korea, and increasing military expenditure. Blair revealed that the defense budget is set to rise by 27% next year and triple in the coming years. The G7 defence ministers meeting in Italy next month will provide a platform to further address Chinese military activities that concern Japan, Canada, and other partners.

(With inputs from agencies.)