Hockey: AUKUS a 'gamechanger' against China, Russia's increasing capabilities

Former Ambassador to the United States Joe Hockey has hailed the AUKUS alliance as a “gamechanger,” which represents an “entrée to the crown jewels” of military and intelligence capability.

The trilateral agreement will see Australia harness technology from the US and the United Kingdom to manufacture nuclear-powered submarines.

Labelling the alliances as “ANZUS 2.0”, Mr Hockey says the announcement is a statement against the increased capabilities of regional power China as well as Russia.

“It’s an extraordinary announcement and, in many ways, it’s a gamechanger,” he told Sky News Australia.

“It takes us to a new level because it isn’t just about a treaty; importantly, it’s about shared capability and putting real and tangible effort into the sorts of things that will save our nation and protect our nation into the future.

“This represents the changing world order, it’s not just about China, even though it is a focus in the Indo-Pacific, but it’s also about Russia, which has significantly increased its capability in recent years.

“They’re (the submarines) crown jewels, and this announcement by the United States, the UK and Prime Minister Morrison represents an entrée to the crown jewels of military and intelligence capability.”