Graham Holton, a long-term Communist Party of Australia member, put in a submission to the AUKUS Public Inquiry taking place around Australia now. As a result, he was asked to appear at the inquiry and face questions from lead commissioner Peter Garrett and commissioners Leanne Minshull and Carmen Lawrence. Here are some excerpts from Holton’s submission, published in Guardian, organ of the Party.
Communist Party of Australia member fronts AUKUS inquiry
Supporters argue that AUKUS will strengthen deterrence, improve regional security, and reinforce the rules-based international order.
Critics believe it will increase military competition, contributing to a regional arms race, and create challenges for international non-proliferation agreements.
Some analysts also warn of a security dilemma, where one country’s efforts to improve its security are perceived as a threat by others. As Australia strengthens its military capabilities, neighbouring countries may respond by expanding their own defence spending and acquiring more advanced weapons. Such actions could unintentionally increase mistrust and heighten regional instability.
Another concern is that AUKUS may shift attention away from diplomatic solutions to regional disputes. While military preparedness can deter aggression, long-term peace also depends on dialogue, confidence-building measures, and effective regional institutions. If strategic competition becomes increasingly militarised, opportunities for diplomacy may become limited. One has to only pay attention to the US-Iran conflict to take caution in military decisions.
Smaller Pacific Island nations have raised additional concerns about the increased military presence in the region. Many of these countries prioritise climate change, economic development, and environmental protection over military competition. Some worry that heightened strategic rivalry could divert resources and political attention away from these pressing issues. The possibility of miscalculation also increases as more advanced military assets operate in contested areas. Greater numbers of submarines, surveillance aircraft, and naval vessels increase the risk of accidents or unintended escalation during periods of heightened tension.
China views AUKUS as a threat to its national security and regional influence. Beijing prioritises diplomatic engagement and opposes expanding military alliances, viewing AUKUS as a military alliance directed against its rise as a major power. Increased military cooperation among Western allies contributes to regional confrontation, accelerates the arms race, and undermines international trust.
Chinese officials have repeatedly argued that AUKUS reflects a “Cold War mentality” because it relies on military alliances rather than dialogue and cooperative security arrangements. Beijing maintains that regional peace should be achieved through diplomacy, economic cooperation, and multilateral institutions, not by expanding military partnerships.
China has expressed serious concerns regarding the NPT. Although Australia has repeatedly stated that it will not possess nuclear weapons, China argues that transferring naval nuclear propulsion technology to a non-nuclear-weapon state creates a dangerous precedent.
The present conflict (the US-Israel-Iran war) shows how rapidly limited strikes can expand, maritime trade threatened, energy markets disrupted, and civilian populations exposed to wider conflicts. By increasing the permanent US military presence in Australia, AUKUS may make Australia more vulnerable with escalating tensions between the US and China. Recent discussion around the long-term presence of US submarines at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia reflects these concerns.