France actually had a deal worth 56 billion euros with Australia.
(Photo: Reuters)
Paris France is calling its ambassadors from the USA and Australia back for consultations over the dispute over a broken submarine deal. Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian announced on Friday evening in Paris that this extraordinary step was taking place at the request of President Emmanuel Macron. The decision to abandon the purchase of French submarines sealed in 2016 in favor of a partnership with the United States and Great Britain represents unacceptable behavior between allies and partners. The consequences have touched the core of France’s alliances and partnerships as well as the importance of the Indo-Pacific for Europe.
Australia announced on Thursday that it would acquire nuclear-powered submarines as part of a new security alliance with the United States and Great Britain. France had already reacted very angrily and spoke of destroyed trust with Australia. Australia’s decision to build nuclear-powered submarines with American and British support instead of conventional submarines with French help means the loss of a 56 billion euro agreement for France.
US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had previously announced a new alliance which, according to security experts, is clearly directed against the military threat posed by China in the Indo-Pacific. This also includes building the submarines.
Biden spoke of “rapidly evolving threats”. In the next 18 months a way should be found for Australia to get such modern submarines. The USA and Great Britain would share their expertise on this.
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Probably as an attempt at appeasement, Biden had already singled out France as an “important partner” in the Indo-Pacific when the pact was presented. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also tried to smooth things over and stressed that the US attached “great importance to this relationship and partnership” with France. According to the US government, France knew about the announcement of the alliance in advance. France’s Defense Minister Florence Parly said with a view to possible compensation: “We are testing all hypotheses and scenarios, we will protect and defend our interests.”
China had responded indignantly to the security pact, pointing out that Australia was a state without nuclear weapons that could now suddenly import nuclear-powered submarine technology with strategic military value. This could lead other states to question their commitment to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. China itself has long been a nuclear power.
New Zealand was also anything but enthusiastic about the pact. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that she would not allow neighbors to enter with such submarines. The Pacific state strictly rejects nuclear power. And cautious tones about the deal were also heard from the EU. The security pact is likely to continue to weigh on the tense relationship between the US and China. Biden had recently clashed with China on various issues such as human rights.
More: The controversial submarine deal shows how easily Europe can be passed over in the struggle of the great powers
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