The White House has expressed optimism that the US, UK and Australia will clear the main obstacle to their landmark security deal, allowing technology transfers that will enable Canberra to obtain nuclear-powered submarines.
Jake Sullivan, US national security adviser, said there had been progress in easing some technology export restrictions that the US partners have long been concerned could slow, or even possibly derail, the so-called Aukus security pact.
Asked by the Financial Times on Tuesday about the technology transfer constraints, Sullivan said he was “feeling very good about the pathway on Aukus”, the most confident statement from Washington on overcoming the regulatory barriers that have complicated the deal.