The Australian Prime Minister, along with the United States and Britain, has announced a landmark new security pact to share advanced technologies, including nuclear submarine technology.

The pact, known as AUKUS, includes the US helping Australia develop a nuclear submarine capability, which could see Australia abandon its $90 billion submarine deal with France.

Scott Morrison has announced the nuclear submarines will be built in Adelaide.

“But let me be clear,” Mr Morrison said, “Australia is not seeking to establish nuclear weapons or establish a civil nuclear capability.”

The three countries are expected to shift their submarine and warship presence to counter China’s increasing regional presence north of Australia and in the highly-contested South China Sea.

Independent senator Rex Patrick told Ben Fordham it’s a “good response” to counter China.

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Image: Nine News