China accuses UK, US and Australia of 'going further down dangerous road' with submarine pact

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".