'Too far' away for Aukus subs to be involved in Taiwan Strait planning: US commander – video

Speaking at the National Press Club, Lt Gen Stephen Sklenka, the deputy commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, said it was 'too far down the path' to factor Aukus submarines into its future planning in relation to the Taiwan Strait. 'At least from the military perspective, there is no expectation of anybody participating in any conflict with us, because those decisions are national sovereign decisions. The United States can’t – we don’t dictate that to other countries,' Sklenka said. Asked if the Aukus submarines would be 'too late', Sklenka replied: 'Not if he [Xi Jinping] doesn't fight in 2027.' He added that he doesn't see conflict in the Taiwan Strait as 'inevitable'

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