Aukus pact: US, UK and Australia agree on nuclear submarine project

The US, UK and Australia have unveiled details of their plan to create a new fleet of nuclear-powered submarines.

The Aukus pact is said to be aimed at countering China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region, and will see British designed, American made submarines sent to Australia.

Beijing has strongly criticised the significant naval deal, accusing the Western allies of setting back nuclear non-proliferation efforts.

US President Joe Biden said the deal was aimed at bolstering peace in the region and stressed the submarines would be "nuclear-powered, not nuclear-armed".