Subs could arrive sooner

Australia’s first batch of nuclear-powered submarines could arrive earlier via the United States, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says. ‘‘We are steadfast in our commitment to Australia acquiring this capability at the earliest possible date,’’ Albanese said yesterday as he marked the first anniversary of the AUKUS treaty between Australia, the US and the United Kingdom. The Wall Street Journal has reported that the US government is considering expediting Australia’s submarines to respond to China’s growing influence in the Pacific. An initial fleet could arrive in the mid-2030s while Australia develops its own capability to build the subs.