The French government announced on Wednesday night that Australia’s decision to backtrack on a deal made in 2016 with the French defense industrial group "Naval Group" to purchase conventional submarines, in order to acquire nuclear-powered submarines under a newly formed partnership with the United States and the United Kingdom, is a "regrettable decision." The French Foreign Ministry stated in a statement, "This decision contradicts the letter and spirit of the cooperation that has prevailed between France and Australia."
It added that "the American choice, which leads to the exclusion of a European ally and partner like France from a long-standing partnership with Australia at a time when we are facing unprecedented challenges in the Indian and Pacific Oceans... indicates an instability that France can only observe and regret." The ministry opined that "the regrettable decision just announced... only confirms the necessity of raising the issue of European strategic independence loudly and clearly. There is no other trustworthy way to defend our interests and values in the world."
From New Zealand's perspective, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that the decades-long ban on any nuclear-powered vessels entering its waters will apply to the submarines that its close ally Australia intends to obtain through its newly formed partnership with the United States and the United Kingdom. Ardern stated in a statement that "New Zealand's position regarding the prohibition of nuclear-powered vessels from entering its waters has not changed." She noted that her Australian counterpart Scott Morrison informed her of his country’s intention to build nuclear-powered submarines with the assistance of the United States and Britain.
Strategic Security Alliance
On Wednesday night, the United States announced its intention to strengthen its alliances in all directions to counter China by forming a strategic security alliance in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, which includes London and Canberra. The announcement of the new trilateral security pact, named "AUKUS," was made during a virtual summit hosted by U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House, where British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison participated via video.
In a joint statement issued at the conclusion of the summit, London and Washington particularly committed to "assist Australia in acquiring nuclear-powered submarines." This announcement marked a strategic turning point, especially given that it is the first time the United States will share such sensitive technology with a country other than Britain. Following this announcement, Australia canceled the large deal it had signed in 2016 worth 90 billion Australian dollars (56 billion euros) to purchase 12 conventional submarines of the "Attack" class.
