US and UK are facing growing international criticism over a new security pact signed with Australia, which has raised fears that it could provoke China into a war.

The deal seen as an effort to counter China will see the US and UK give Australia the technology to build nuclear-powered submarines.

But the move angered France, which said it had been stabbed in the back, while China accused the three powers of having a “Cold War mentality”.

The alliance, known as Aukus, was announced by US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison.