AUKUS Submarine Deal Sparks Controversy and Threats.

Former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating criticized Australia's plan to buy nuclear-powered submarines from the US, calling it "the worst deal in all history." Keating argued that the submarines wouldn't serve a useful military purpose and that Australia could defend itself against China's military buildup with planes and missiles. China has complained that the sub deal threatens global accords against nuclear non-proliferation. The head of the international nuclear watchdog organization, Rafael Grossi, rejected China's accusation and said his agency would hold the AUKUS allies and any other nation that attempts a similar nuclear transfer to tough and lasting standards of design, monitoring, inspection, and transparency to try to make sure nuclear non-proliferation accords were being observed.