Canberra/Seoul: – Australia has initiated rapid steps to increase its defence preparedness against Chinese activities in the Indo-Pacific region. As a part of the same efforts, Australia signed a defence agreement worth AUD 1 billion (approximately USD 720 million) with South Korea. This is the biggest defence agreement signed by Australia with an Asian country. Along with the defence agreement, Australia also assured an unhindered supply of Rare Earth Minerals to South Korea.
South Korean President Moon Jai-In is currently on a visit to Australia. On the first day of the visit, the South Korean President met Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. The historic agreement was signed during this meeting after due discussions. As per the agreement, the South Korean company Hanwha Corp will be supplying 30 self-propelled Howitzers along with 15 Armed Vehicles and radars to Australia. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said ‘The new agreement will be an important step in the Australian defence industry sector. This will augment the Australian defence capabilities and South Korea will be our partner in this process.’ Morrison also clarified that Australia has expressed confidence in the South Korean defence industry with this agreement.
This year the diplomatic relations between Australia and South Korea completed 60 years. Against this background, the agreement signed further strengthens the cooperation between the two countries. Both the countries announced that the relations between the countries have reached an integrated Strategic Partnership stage with this agreement. Free trade was started between Australia and South Korea in 2014 and South Korea is the fourth-largest trading partner for Australia.
Sources informed that important discussions were also held regarding cooperation regarding Rare Earth Minerals along with the defence agreement. There are huge deposits of Rare Earth Minerals in Australia and Australia has assured an unhindered supply of these minerals to South Korea. At the same time, both countries have agreed to work jointly on the plans for the use of Hydrogen.
Related posts:
Australian PM visits Solomon Islands in the Pacific in view of the rising Chinese influence; announces financial aid of $250 million
UK forms D10 Alliance against Chinese 5G, includes India, Australia and South Korea along with G7 countries
US takes on Chinese ‘Rare Earths’ hegemony – Australian company to open plant in Texas
New Zealand backs Australia in trade dispute with China
A senior US official accuses China of trying to isolate Australia from western countries
Indian PM Narendra Modi holds bilateral talks with Japanese and Australian PMs
Australia should have developed capabilities to stop China in the Indo-Pacific region: claims former Australian NSA
Australia and ASEAN establish ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’
