Penny Wong hits back at China’s claim Aukus nuclear submarines will fuel an arms race

Foreign minister Penny Wong says no rational observer could conclude Australia is the source of a regional arms race after China criticised Aukus. Photograph: Matt Turner/AAP

The Australian foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, has hit back at China’s response to Aukus, insisting that its criticisms of the nuclear-powered submarine deal are “not grounded in fact”.

In an interview with Guardian Australia, Wong also signalled that she planned to make further visits to south-east Asia and the Pacific to reassure the region that Australia does not seek to escalate military tensions.