“I don’t understand how it was possible to commit such a lie”: France’s ambassador to Australia is angry and wary after the secret AUKUS submarine deal that he says undermined trust in longstanding alliances. See his interview with AP here:
Europe’s geopolitical strategy toward an increasingly assertive China
“The way you treat your allies does resonate in the region,” Thebault said in a gilded chamber in the French Foreign Ministry on the banks of the Seine River in Paris. “The logic of confrontation is not a good one for the peace and stability of the region. We think that we should act otherwise.”Thebault was recalled to Paris last month along with the French ambassador to the U.S.
He noted that France makes nuclear-powered submarines, but said Australia refused them when their deal was first struck in 2016, opting for diesel-powered versions instead.“Rebuffing a country like France is almost sending a message that there are trusted partners and other partners, which is worrying in a region which needs ... partnership and not antagonism,” he said.
Putting “muscle” in the European Union’s Indo-Pacific strategy will be a priority for France as it takes over the rotating presidency of the EU Jan. 1, he said.“The rise of China ... is an issue that needs to be addressed,” along with climate change and its impacts on islands throughout the Pacific, he said. He stressed the importance of “international rules, respect for human rights, the respect for freedom of navigation, respect for sovereignty of countries.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Australia welcoming back French ambassador after sub spatCANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Prime Minister Scott Morrison welcomed France’s decision to return its ambassador to Australia and said Thursday the bilateral relationship was bigger than the canceled submarine contract.
Read more »
Prospects of Iran nuclear talks going smoothly are 'bleak,' Eurasia Group saysThe odds are stacked against an Iran nuclear deal being reached this year — even if negotiations restart, according to political risk consultancy Eurasia Group.
Read more »
A bunch of fitness companies have jumped into the IPO market this year. It’s not working out.Has the U.S. IPO market reached peak fitness? It may have based on Thursday's action with one newly public company floundering in its debut and another...
Read more »