In a significant diplomatic setback, France has withdrawn from high-level defense talks with the United Kingdom following the announcement of the AUKUS security pact. The French defense minister, Florence Parly, canceled a two-day meeting with her UK counterpart, Defense Secretary Ben Wallace, in London this week.
The AUKUS deal, signed by the UK, the U.S., and Australia, involves the construction of nuclear-powered submarines for Australia. This move effectively terminates Australia’s existing $40 billion submarine contract with France, igniting a fierce response from Paris.
President Emmanuel Macron took unprecedented measures by recalling France's ambassadors to Washington and Canberra, signaling deep frustration over the sudden shift. French officials revealed that Australia only notified Paris of the contract cancellation in writing mere hours before the AUKUS deal was publicly announced, leaving France blindsided.
France had begun to question Australia’s commitment to the submarine order as early as June, but Macron was kept in the dark until the last minute, according to a French presidency official. This lack of transparency has strained the longstanding Franco-Australian defense relationship.
UK Foreign Office Minister James Cleverly addressed the fallout, describing it as part of the "ups and downs" inherent in international relations. He assured that despite the current tensions, the bilateral relationship between the UK and France would endure.
Meanwhile, European Union foreign ministers are set to discuss the dispute during the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York. The situation highlights the complexities of modern defense alliances and the delicate balance of maintaining strong international partnerships.
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France withdraws from UK defense talks over Australia submarines row
cgtn.com
