France Furious at US-UK-Australia 'AUKUS' Alliance... Unprecedented Recall of Ambassador

France "Unacceptable"... First Ever Summoning of US Ambassador
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AP "Bilateral Relations Worst Since 18th Century"

French President Emmanuel Macron [Photo by Reuters]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] France has taken the unprecedented step of recalling its ambassadors from the United States and Australia, longtime allies, in protest against the launch announcement of the security alliance AUKUS by the US, UK, and Australia.

According to AP and AFP news agencies, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian announced on the 17th (local time) that, at the request of President Emmanuel Macron, he immediately recalled the two ambassadors for consultations regarding the AUKUS launch announcement.

Minister Le Drian stated in a press release that the decision was due to "the exceptional seriousness of the announcement made by Australia and the United States on September 15, an act unacceptable among allies and partners."

Jean-Pierre Thebault, the French ambassador to Australia, called the decisions by Australia and others "a huge mistake" before departing for home, criticizing that "the partnership was handled very, very poorly."

Ambassador Thebault expressed anger, saying, "I want to go back in a time machine and prevent this from ending in such an unbelievable, clumsy, inappropriate, and un-Australian situation."

Having learned of the news through Australian media, Ambassador Thebault explained, "I received no notification about this huge change," adding, "There were many opportunities and many channels, but this change was not communicated."

On the 15th, the leaders of the three countries?US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison?announced the launch of the AUKUS partnership aimed at strengthening security cooperation and deepening information technology sharing in the Indo-Pacific region.

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

Notably, as part of the initial plan, the US agreed to support Australia's nuclear-powered submarine technology, which has left France's contract to supply up to 12 diesel submarines to Australia, worth 56 billion euros (77 trillion won), up in the air.

Philippe Etienne, the French ambassador to the US, announced via Twitter that he had been recalled to Paris, criticizing the formation of AUKUS as "a matter that directly affects our perspective on alliances, partnerships, and the importance of the Indo-Pacific region."

Immediately after the AUKUS launch announcement, Minister Le Drian expressed his anger, saying, "We were truly stabbed in the back," and "We had built a relationship of trust with Australia, but that trust was betrayed."

He also vented his dissatisfaction toward the US, saying it was something that former President Donald Trump, with whom relations were strained, would have done.

AFP reported that France recalling its ambassadors from key allies and friends, the US and Australia, is unprecedented.

AP news agency interpreted that France recalling its ambassador to the US, its oldest ally, for the first time indicates that the relationship between the two countries, born from the 18th-century American and French revolutions, has reached a tipping point.

Earlier, the French Embassy in the US abruptly canceled a gala event scheduled for the 17th commemorating the 240th anniversary of the Battle of the Capes as a form of protest.

Regarding France's ambassador recall, the US has been in close contact with France on this issue and is making efforts to soothe tensions.

Emily Horne, spokesperson for the White House National Security Council (NSC), said, "We understand their (France's) position, and as we have done in our long-standing alliance, we will continue efforts over the coming days to resolve differences."

She emphasized, "France is our oldest ally and one of our strongest partners. We share a long history of democratic values and a commitment to cooperate in addressing global challenges."

Ned Price, spokesperson for the US State Department, also stated, "France is an essential partner and our oldest ally, and we place the highest value on our bilateral relationship," expressing hope to continue high-level dialogues on this issue, including at the upcoming UN General Assembly next week.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Australia also expressed regret over France's decision to recall its ambassador in Canberra while emphasizing the importance of its relationship with France.

An Australian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in a statement, "We regret France's decision to recall its ambassador," but added, "Australia values its relationship with France and looks forward to working together again on many issues of shared interest."