France says Australia made “huge mistake” with US submarine deal

CANBERRA, Australia – Australia made a “huge” diplomatic error, the French ambassador said on Saturday after being recalled to Paris after Canberra abandoned a multibillion-dollar order for French submarines in favor of an alternative agreement with the United States and Great Britain.

“I think it was a huge mistake, a very, very mismanagement of the partnership – because it was not a contract, it was a partnership that was supposed to be based on trust, mutual understanding and sincerity. “Ambassador Jean-Pierre Thébault told reporters in Canberra.

Australia announced Thursday that it would cancel the agreement signed in 2016 with the French naval group to build a fleet of conventional submarines and instead build at least eight nuclear-powered submarines with American and British technology. after entering into a trilateral security partnership.

The pact comes as the United States ramps up efforts to counter China in the Indo-Pacific.

France called the cancellation of the deal – valued at $ 40 billion in 2016 and estimated to be much more today – a stab in the back and recalled its ambassadors from the United States and Australia.

“I would love to meet a time machine, if possible, and be in a situation where we won’t find ourselves in such an incredible, awkward and inadequate non-Australian situation,” Thebault said.

“I am very sad that I have to leave, even though there has to be a reassessment to be done.”

Australia said it regretted the French ambassador’s recall, appreciated the relationship with France and would continue to engage with Paris on other issues.

“Australia understands France’s deep disappointment at our decision, which was taken in accordance with our clear and communicated national security interests,” a spokeswoman for Foreign Minister Marise Payne said in a statement.

Payne and Defense Secretary Peter Dutton are currently in the United States for annual talks with their American counterparts and their first with President Joe Biden’s administration.

State Department spokesman Ned Price said France was a “vital ally” and that the United States would commit to resolving the differences in the coming days.

The feud marks the lowest point in Australia-France relations since 1995, when Canberra protested France’s decision to resume nuclear testing in the South Pacific and recalled its ambassador for consultations.

Senior opposition MP Mark Dreyfus called on the Australian government to restore relations with France.

“The impact on our relations with France is a concern, especially as a country with important interests in our region,” said Dreyfus.

“The French were taken aback by this decision and Mr. Morrison should have done a lot more to protect the relationship,” he added.

The Associated Press contributed.