Morrison expects US to ramp up military presence in region as China slams ‘irresponsible’ defence pact

Beijing denounces Aukus pact, raising question of nuclear proliferation, as Morrison expects a greater US military presence in Indo-Pacific and deeper UK defence ties

• Diplomacy dialled up to 11: Australia saddles up with US as Indo-Pacific heads for cold war
• Right decision' to scrap French submarines but South Australian jobs will be lost
• China warns US-UK-Australia pact could hurt their own interests'
• Get our free news app; get our morning email briefing

Scott Morrison has said he expects the US to increase its military presence in the Indo-Pacific, as China warned Australia would end up hurting" itself with its decision to acquire nuclear-powered submarines.

Beijing denounced Australia's plan to ramp up defence cooperation with the US and the UK, with a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry saying the move raised questions about Canberra's commitment to nuclear non-proliferation.