9 May: AUKUS and International Law: Some unexpected blips?

Since AUKUS was announced in 2021 there have been multiple diplomatic and political developments that have advanced the trilateral military partnership. Some legal issues have also been flagged that may prove troublesome for Australia. First, Australia's Southeast Asian neighbours have raised concerns over Australian AUKUS submarines navigating through their waters, suggesting that traditional freedoms of navigation may be constrained. Second, Australia's Pacific neighbours have raised concerns over whether AUKUS submarines are consistent with Australia's obligations under the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty. These legal issues will be assessed, including consideration of possible Australian responses.