Paris: France has recalled its US ambassador to the United States for more than two centuries. This follows a disagreement over the formation of the US, UK and Australia Tripartite Security Alliance (OACS) in the strategic Indo-Pacific region. France also recalled its Australian diplomats.
The decision to cancel the submarine deal with France and buy the US and UK nuclear submarine technology as part of the Australian Oax was provocative. French Foreign Minister Le Drian said the move by Australia and the US should never be taken between allies and was tantamount to stabbing in the back.
The U.S. has taken the initiative to counter the threat from China. As part of the alliance, it was decided to make nuclear submarines using US and UK technology available to Australia. With this, the $ 9000 crore (about Rs. 4,66,200 crore) submarine contract signed by Australia with the French company Naval Group in 2016 was canceled. The contract was for the purchase of 12 submarines. Currently, only six countries, including India, have nuclear submarines. If the deal goes through, non-nuclear Australia will also be on the list.
US National Security Council spokeswoman Emily Horn said France’s decision to recall the ambassador was unfortunate. She said the Biden administration had taken steps to resolve the issue through talks and maintain good relations with its traditional ally, France. State Department spokesman Ned Price also said that the U.S. attaches great importance to its relationship with France and that the issue will be resolved soon.
English Summary: In a first, France recalls its envoy to US, Australia over submarine deal
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