Paris has described the new Indo-Pacific security pact between the UK, US and Australia as a ‘stab in the back’.
The “AUKUS” pact announced on Wednesday, is seen as an effort to counter China’s influence in the region. By this agreement, Australia will build a nuclear-powered submarine for the first time, using US-powered technology.
The pact was announced during a virtual conference between US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
According to Paris, this ‘U-turn’ by Australia over a previously arranged deal with France will see Australia cancel the contract.
Analysts are of the view that, the AUKUS pact, which will include AI and other technologies remain one of the US’ biggest defense partnerships in decades.
French foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian is on record to have described himself as “angry over the announcement” during a radio engagement. “It’s just not done between allies”.
“It’s really a stab in the back,” he said, adding: “This unilateral, brutal, unpredictable decision is very similar to what Mr Trump used to do.”
Furthermore, he stressed that France won the contract to supply Australia with nuclear-powered submarines two years ago. Albeit, neither the US nor the UK were a part in the tender process.
“We had established a relationship of trust with Australia and this trust has been betrayed,” Le Drian indicated. “This is not the end of the story.”
Amid this development, China has condemned the agreement as “extremely irresponsible”.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian surmised “it seriously undermines regional peace and stability and intensifies the arms race”.
Pact to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region
In a joint Statement released with the Defense Minister earlier today, France’s Foreign Ministry noted: Australia’s decision is contrary to the letter and spirit of the cooperation that prevailed between France and Australia…”
The statement also mentioned that the “American choice to a European ally and partner from a structuring partnership with Australia… shows a lack of regret that France can only note with regret.”
Speaking on the pact, UK’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the pact would “preserve security and stability around the world” and generate “hundreds of high-skilled jobs”.
While Australia’s submarines is the major item on the list, AUKUS will also involve the sharing of cyber capabilities and other undersea technologies.
And while China was not explicitly mentioned, the three leaders, referred repeatedly to escalating regional security. This needs no explanation as it is clear that this is an attempt to counter Beijing’s assertiveness in the region.
The US President Biden mentioned that: “The United States looks forward to working closely with France and other key countries as we go forward”.
Australia’s Prime Minister also said the pact is “pivotal for Australia to become a more capable power in the 21st century.” He also added that, he intends for the nuclear-powered submarines to be built in Adelaide.
He further stressed that “Australia is not seeking to acquire nuclear weapons.”
READ ALSO: Ghana: Public accessibility of beneficial ownership information to be available by 2023
