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France is reacting angrily after being excluded from a deal between the US, UK and Australia to give Australia nuclear-powered submarines.
In a statement released by the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-yves Le Drian and the Minister for the Armed Forces Florence Parly, the country declared that the decision announced on Wednesday “is contrary to the letter and the spirit of the cooperation that has prevailed between France and Australia, based on a relationship of political trust as well as on the development of a very high level defense industrial and technological base in Australia. “
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“The American choice to exclude a European ally and partner such as France from a structuring partnership with Australia, at a time when we are faced with unprecedented challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, whether in terms of our values or in terms of respect for multilateralism. based on the rule of law, shows a lack of consistency that France can only note and regret, “the statement continued.
The statement then called the announcement “regrettable”.
“The regrettable decision which has just been announced concerning the FSP program only reinforces the need to raise the question of European strategic autonomy loud and clear,” said the joint statement. “There is no other credible way to defend our interests and values in the world, including the Indo-Pacific.”
France added that it is “the only European nation present in the Indo-Pacific with nearly two million citizens and more than 7,000 soldiers”.
Earlier today, US President Biden joined British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in announcing the creation of a strengthened trilateral security partnership called “AUKUS”, which involves the sharing of ‘highly sensitive nuclear submarine technology with Australia.
“As the first UKUS initiative, recognizing our common tradition as maritime democracies, we are committed to a common ambition to support Australia in the acquisition of nuclear powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy.” , said the White House. noted. “Today we embark on an 18-month trilateral effort to find an optimal pathway to deliver this capability. We will leverage the expertise of the United States and the United Kingdom, building on sub-programs. sailors from both countries to bring an Australian capability into service at the earliest possible date. “
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During the announcement, Biden referred to France as having a “substantial Indo-Pacific presence” and a “key partner and ally in strengthening the security and prosperity of the region”.
“The United States looks forward to working closely with France and other key countries as we move forward,” Biden said.
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The announcement of the partnership is widely seen as a challenge to China’s authority in the region, and the Chinese Embassy quickly responded to the news.
“Exchanges and cooperation among countries should help to expand mutual understanding and trust,” the Chinese Embassy in the United States said in a statement. “Countries should do more things that promote solidarity and cooperation between countries and regional peace and stability. In the meantime, they should not build exclusion blocs targeting or harming the interests of third parties. In particular, they should get rid of their cold war mentality and ideological prejudice. “
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News.
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