Former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating has dropped a bombshell, accusing the Albanese government of surrendering sovereignty to the U.S. through the controversial AUKUS nuclear submarine deal. In a fiery TV interview reported by ABC, Keating claimed the pact risks turning Australia into \"the 51st state of the United States\" 🗽 – and it’s all about America’s military grip on the region.
💡 Why it matters: Keating argues Australia’s remote geography makes it \"not likely to be threatened\" unless dragged into conflicts by its \"aggressive ally\" – a clear jab at U.S.-China tensions. He warns that expanding U.S. military bases Down Under could make Australia look like \"a continental extension of American power\" 🇺🇸, similar to Hawaii or Guam.
🌏 The China factor: The ex-PM pushed back against fears of Chinese aggression, stating \"China has no strategic designs on Australia.\" His comments come as the AUKUS deal – involving $368B AUD for nuclear-powered subs – continues to spark debates about national autonomy vs. Western alliances.
🔥 The kicker: Keating predicts Australia might become viewed in Asia as \"a U.S. protectorate\" – raising eyebrows about whether the submarine deal is about defense or becoming Washington’s permanent sidekick. Could this be the start of a new Aussie independence movement? 🇦🇺✊
