AUKUS, formed in 2021 to address shared worries about China's growing power, would involve Australia acquiring nuclear-powered attack submarines, among other items of defence cooperation.
Under the rule change proposed by the US Department of State on yesterday, the Department's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls will no longer be required to license or approve defence articles, which will reduce some administrative burdens for companies seeking to make defence products in Australia or the UK.
The State Department said the new rule would still generate an"excluded" items list, making approval necessary for articles with national security import. A list of authorized users would also be generated to ensure that sensitive technologies remained contained.