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The prime minister has defended his decision to overhaul the future submarines program, described by French officials as a “stab in the back”.
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The French government has strongly condemned the sudden establishment of a new trilateral partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States (AUKUS).
The new multinational agreement will see nuclear-powered submarines built in Adelaide, leveraging skills and resources provided by stakeholders in the US and UK.
Accordingly, the Commonwealth government has axed France-based Naval Group’s multi-decade contract to deliver 12 diesel-powered Attack Class submarines to replace the ageing Collins Class fleet as part of its $90 billion SEA 1000 contract.
In response, French officials have accused Canberra of undermining the nations’ long-standing relationship, lamenting a perceived lack of consultation.
President Emmanuel Macron responded to the news by recalling French ambassadors to Australia and the US.
In a statement, France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Yves Le Drian, defended the recall.
“This exceptional decision is justified by the exceptional gravity of the announcements made on 15th September by Australia and the United States,” he said.
“The cancellation of the Attack Class submarine program binding Australia and France since 2016, and the announcement of a new partnership with the United States meant to launch studies on a possible future co-operation on nuclear-powered submarines, constitute unacceptable behaviour between allies and partners, whose consequences directly affect the vision we have of our alliances, of our partnerships and of the importance of the Indo-Pacific for Europe.”
In an interview with French media, Minister Le Drian went on to describe the AUKUS deal as a “stab in the back”.
“We built a relationship of trust with Australia and this trust was betrayed,” he said.
“I’m really angry and bitter about this breach of contract.”
However, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has doubled down, stating he does not regret the decision to “put Australia's national interest first”.
The PM revealed he had reached out to President Macron on the night before the announcement, adding Paris was aware of Australia’s concerns regarding the Attack Class program.
"[France] would've had every reason to know that we had deep and grave concerns that the capability of the Attack Class submarines was not going to meet our strategic interests," Prime Minister Morrison said.
“… Australia's interests are best served by the trilateral partnership that I've been able to form with President Biden and Prime Minister Johnson. That is what serves Australia's long-term national interests.
“That's what I think ensures that we can contribute more significantly to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.”
Further details regarding the fleet’s capability, project logistics, and the delivery timeline are to be fleshed out over the next 18 months.
[Related: CCP condemns AUKUS ‘clique’]
