Climate experts fear Aukus will dash hopes of China emissions deal

Timing of defence deal, ahead of Cop26 summit where China will be key player, dismays campaigners

The timing of the new defence deal between the US, UK and Australia has dismayed climate experts, who fear it could have a negative effect on hopes of a deal with China on greenhouse gas emissions ahead of vital UN climate talks.

The Aukus trilateral security partnership has been interpreted as seeking to counterbalance Chinese power in the Asia-Pacific region, and has been likened to a new cold war by China. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson warned the three countries to respect regional people's aspiration and do more that is conducive to regional peace and stability and development - otherwise they will only end up hurting their own interests".