Keir Starmer plans to use a smart defense move to get closer with Donald Trump focusing on their shared view about China. The three-country nuclear sub deal (known as Aukus) might be the perfect ice-breaker
The UK government sees this as a good way to show its worth in stopping Chinas growing military presence in Pacific waters - something that really interests the soon-to-be president. Trump wants to put huge 60% fees on Chinese goods and fight back in other ways too
British officials are looking at what Trump and his likely team members (Marco Rubio and Michael Waltz) think about the deal; theyʼre happy to see no bad comments about it. “We must seize the opportunities presented“ a gov-worker told reporters adding that this could help prove UK-US special bonds importance
The deal which started about 3 years ago lets Australia UK and US share top-secret tech for making nuclear-powered subs (these can stay hidden underwater way longer than regular ones). Its got two main parts: sub-building and new-tech development including AI stuff
Japan and South Korea can now work on the new-tech part but some folks in UK defense talk about making Japan a full member - they even made up a funny name for it: “Jaukus“. Still its not happening soon since Japan isnt part of the Five Eyes spy group. Starmer will likely chat about all this with Trump after he starts his job in early 25