AUKUS is an agreement among the US, the UK, and Australia which involves the US and UK helping Australia to obtain nuclear-powered submarines and conduct military operations in the Indo-Pacific to address perceived threats from China. China is furious about AUKUS undermining global nuclear non-proliferation efforts and has cautioned the three partners against pursuing down this "dangerous path." China has been antaganozing and expanding its influence in the region rapidly, disregarding international laws by building man-made military bases , altering international water boundaries, and using force against passing vessels. ASEAN countries see AUKUS as a potential means to control China's actions, but there's a risk of nuclear conflict near their homes. Indonesia and Malaysia have already expressed concerns about AUKUS military operation within the Indo-Pacific region without outright opposing it.