What is the Aukus alliance and what are its implications?

The US, UK and Australia's new strategic partnership has upset both China and France

It is a new three-way strategic defence alliance between Australia, the UK and US initially to build a class of nuclear-propelled submarines, but also to work together in the Indo-Pacific region, where the rise of China is seen as an increasing threat, and develop wider technologies. It means Australia will end the contract given to France in 2016 to build 12 diesel electric-powered submarines to replace its existing Collins submarine fleet. The deal marks the first time the US has shared nuclear propulsion technology with an ally apart from the UK.