Welcome to The World in 10.
In an increasingly uncertain world,
this is The Times' daily podcast dedicated to global security.
Today with me, Tom Noonan and Toby Seeley.
The AUKUS nuclear submarine deal between the US,
the UK and Australia was signed back in 2021.
It was hailed at the time by the governments of all three countries as a key agreement to renew Western naval power and improve their cooperation against the growing threats of Russia and China.
The idea is that all three would work together to develop and build a new class of nuclear-powered submarine.
In the meantime,
the US would sell as many as five Virginia-class submarines to Australia to replenish its ageing fleet.
Now, however,
Donald Trump's Defence Department has announced a review of this Biden-era deal,
with an official calling it crazy, given warnings that China might attack Taiwan.
So, why is Trump thinking again about this deal?
What exactly are the US's misgivings,
and should officials in London and Canberra be as anxious as they're reported to be?
Our guest today is Trevor Taylor,
a specialist in shipbuilding at the Royal United Services Institute in London.
Trevor, what do we know about this US review, and specifically,
do we know exactly what it is about AUKUS that the Trump administration is now worried about?