By David BrunnstromWASHINGTON (Reuters) - The top U.S. official for arms control said on Wednesday she is "very confident" the United States will certify Australia and Britain as eligible for exemptions from export-control regulations under the AUKUS submarine project.
The AUKUS project unveiled by the three countries in 2023 involves Australia acquiring nuclear-powered attack submarines as part of efforts by the allies to push back against China's growing power in the Indo-Pacific region.
This is provided for in the 2024 U.S. National Defense Authorization Act passed in December, but requires Biden's final signoff by mid-April.
"We have to keep showing that we're all-in and ... people are watching what's happening with the supplemental," she said.
"We need to pass a supplemental because of all the things in here, including AUKUS, that shows the U.S. wants to continue to be a leader."
Persons:
David Brunnstrom WASHINGTON, Joe Biden, Bonnie Jenkins, Jenkins, Mike Johnson, David Brunnstrom, Sandra Maler
Organizations:
U.S, Arms, U.S . International, . National Defense, Foreign Affairs, Senate, Republican, Republican U.S . House
Locations:
United States, Australia, Britain, U.S, Mexico