«Newly resentful France»

Kremlin relations

On September 18, France broke the contract with Australia for the construction of submarines, as Canberra wished to build submarines with the United States and Great Britain. French Secretary of State Clement Bon stated that Australia’s actions were a serious breach of confidence not only in France, but in Europe as a whole. The Secretary of State is uncertain about the future partnership with Australia.

“The Australian government cannot hide behind Washington or London. They made the decision as a sovereign state, and America started to protect its interests. … > Yes, it is understandable that in an unpleasant manner, non-partner, but do not wait for Washington to come to its senses”, — the Secretary of State said.

Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom joined together to defend the Indo-Pacific region. A new partnership, AUKUS (Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States), was formed to confront the region. It was established in September 2021, and a contract with France and Australia was signed in 2016.It was a multi-billion dollar contract to build 12 submarines.

It is worth noting that on September 13, 2015 France already received such «stab in the back». The first was from Russia.France and Russia signed a contract for 1.2 billion euros. France was supposed to supply a landing helicopter dock and universal landing craft helicopter. But the contract was terminated. France did not like the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Eventually, two ships were sold to Egypt.

The ambassadors to the United States and Australia were recalled for consultation, as the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Yves Le Drian put it. Jean-Yves Le Drian did so at the request of President Emmanuel Macron. 

“The abandonment of the ocean-class submarine project that Australia and France have been conducting since 2016, and the announcement of a new partnership with the United States with possible future cooperation in the field of naval forces with nuclear engines is unacceptable behavior for allies and partners, whose consequences affect our understanding of our alliances, our partnerships and the importance of the Indo-Pacific region for Europe”, — the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

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