Paul Keating says Aukus locking Australia into a US war against China, which it would ‘certainly lose’
This story was selected and curated by our editorial team in the Aukus category. Published on September 18, 2026 • Originally reported by Ben Doherty. OMEGAZEPRIME provides independent news coverage and analysis for our readers. Stay informed with the latest developments.
Former prime minister says US would ‘scuttle itself back to San Diego’, leaving Australia to deal with retribution from China
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Aukus critic Paul Keating has said the submarine deal is locking Australia in to any future US conflict with China – “a war America would certainly lose” – and making Australia a target for retribution.
The former prime minister seized on comments reported out of Washington this week from Republican congressman Michael McCaul – a China hawk and co-chair of the Congressional Friends of Australia caucus – who said “Australia is a target” for enemies of the US already. However, McCaul argued that greater integration with the US military would better protect Australia rather than leaving it more vulnerable.
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