U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated on Thursday that France is a "vital partner" in the Indo-Pacific region and that Washington will continue to cooperate with Paris. Blinken's comments appear aimed at easing French anger after the U.S., Australia, and the UK reached a historic defense export deal to supply Australia with nuclear-powered submarines. The three countries announced on Wednesday that they would establish a security partnership in the Indo-Pacific, which would assist Australia in acquiring nuclear-powered submarines, effectively canceling the French-designed submarine deal, according to Reuters.
France reacted angrily to the loss of the $40 billion contract, describing the U.S. move as a "stab in the back." In a statement during a press conference following meetings between U.S. and Australian foreign and defense ministers in Washington, Blinken noted that Washington had communicated with French counterparts before announcing the submarine deal. He stated, "We are working very closely with France on many shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific, but also around the globe. We will continue to do that. We place great importance on that relationship and that partnership," according to Reuters.
In 2016, Australia chose the French shipbuilding company Naval Group to construct a new fleet of submarines valued at $40 billion to replace the aging Collins-class submarines. The U.S. and its allies are searching for ways to counter China's rising power and influence, particularly its military mobilization, pressure on Taiwan, and operations in the contested South China Sea. The White House defended the U.S. decision on Thursday, rejecting criticisms from both China and France regarding the agreement. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters, "We are not seeking conflict with China."
