China has hit out at the US, UK and Australia over their pact to create new nuclear-powered submarines, saying they have “gone further down a dangerous road”.

It follows Rishi Sunak meeting US President Joe Biden and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in San Diego to announce the next stage of the Aukus partnership plan.

The plan will deliver nuclear-powered submarines to Australia as it seeks to counter Chinese activities in the Pacific Ocean.

China’s foreign ministry said the three countries had “disregarded” concerns of the international community, Reuters news agency reported.

Spokesperson Wang Wenbin made the comments at a regular news briefing when asked about the deal.

The three nations have insisted the pact does not increase the risk of nuclear proliferation.

Mr Sunak said the UK, US and Australia would work together “keeping our oceans free” with a new generation of nuclear-powered attack submarines.

The Aukus partnership was first announced in 2021. Since then, the UK has published its integrated review of foreign and security policy, which highlights China’s “more aggressive stance”.

Related posts:

‘As I ran, the bomb dropped’: Wounded take refuge in Thai hospital after Myanmar airstrikes Indonesian navy divers recover Sriwijaya Air jet’s cockpit voice recorder At least 58 people dead in the US as the remnants of Storm Ida bring flooding and tornadoes What are the Minsk agreements and why they could help avert a Russian invasion Most extreme ‘rogue wave’ on record confirmed in North Pacific Ocean Two young brothers rescued after being lost for almost four weeks in Amazon jungle ‘Forward, Russia!’ Putin hails ‘special operation’ at massive celebration party for ‘reunification’ of Crimea Plans to move Everest base camp almost 400m lower due to risk of melting glacier Texans seek refuge in public libraries as heatwave sweeps across US Banksy reveals mural in Ukrainian town that survived weeks of Russian occupation Immigration minister vows ‘Hotel Britain’ will end for migrants to deter ‘asylum shopping’ Ten dead, including five children, in France fire