Western allies have seen Chinese forces disrupt the freedom of navigation and try to intimidate other countries. Defense leaders from Australia, the United Kingdom, and the US met on Wednesday at the Pentagon to try to change that course. They say they want conflicts to be resolved peacefully, "without coercion."

The allies launched the security pact known as AUKUS in September 2021. They promised to contribute to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific by enhancing deterrence.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said, "The need of AUKUS is even clear today. More than ever, our three countries here have similar outlook on the key challenges and opportunities confronting our world."

Austin says the allies have made progress toward providing Australia with nuclear-powered submarines. They say they will arm the subs with conventional weapons.

Still, Chinese diplomats have criticized the plan. China is Australia's largest trading partner, and the diplomats say the export of American nuclear technology would be "highly irresponsible."