What does the Aukus nuclear submarine deal mean for world politics?

In both the short and long term, the principal risk is that China and Russia will be pushed closer together by the pact, writes Sean O’Grady

From left, Anthony Albanese, Joe Biden and Rishi Sunak during the Aukus summit in San Diego on Monday (AFP/Getty)

The US, UK and Australia have unveiled details of their plan to create a new fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, aimed at countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Under the Aukus pact, Australia is to get its first nuclear-powered subs – at least three – from the US, much to the chagrin of Beijing.

What is Aukus and the nuclear submarine deal?