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The United States Has Indicated To Lease Or Sell A Nuclear Submarine To Australia
US floats nuclear subs optionUS floats nuclear subs option
PUBLISHED: 23 hours 40 MINUTES AGO | UPDATE: 12 hours 54 MINUTES AGO
John Kerin
The United States has indicated for the first time it would be willing to lease or sell a nuclear submarine to Australia in a move that will inflame tensions with China and force the Coalition to declare its policy on bolstering regional defence.
US Ambassador to Australia Jeffrey Bleich told The Australian Financial Review yesterday that whichever option Canberra pursued as a replacement for its Collins class submarines, Washington viewed Australia's subs program as crucial to security in the Asia-Pacific region.
"Decisions about the design of the Australian submarine are up to Australia's leaders, including whether they pursue diesel power or nuclear power," Mr Bleich said. "Whatever they decide the US is willing to help.''