French politicians issued a rebuke of the deal.
On Wednesday, representatives of the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia announced the formation of the Aukus pact, a military and technology agreement that, among other things, would facilitate the creation of new nuclear-powered submarines. These submarines would be created in Australia with the technological and financial backing of the US and UK in an effort to counter China’s own increasing military capabilities.
However, a notable party has been left out of the dealings: France. French Minister Of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-yves Le Drian and Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parly issued a joint statement today expressing frustration with the nations for making such a major deal without consulting them as well, calling it “contrary to the letter and spirit of the cooperation that prevailed between France and Australia, based on a relationship of political trust as well as on the development of a very high-level defence industrial and technological base in Australia.”
“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 facing 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 coherence that France can only note and regret,” the statement read.
Duncan S.
September 16, 2021
