nuclear proliferation: China says AUKUS risks nuclear proliferation in Pacific

China's foreign minister criticized the AUKUS security pact, accusing Western powers of causing division and nuclear proliferation risks in the South Pacific. During his visit to Papua New Guinea, Wang Yi condemned the agreement between the US, UK, and Australia, which aims to provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines. He emphasized that AUKUS goes against a South Pacific treaty banning nuclear weapons in the region and could destabilize the area. Wang's remarks reflect China's efforts to counter US and Australian influence in the Pacific Islands, which are strategically significant despite their small populations.

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