China Smiles at Discord Among US Allies

Chinese State Media: AUKUS Is a Diplomatic, Trade, and Historical Insult to France
AUKUS to Counter China Causes Rift Among US, Australia, UK, and France Allies

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] China's state-run Xinhua News Agency reported on the 20th that the security alliance between the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, known as 'AUKUS,' will deepen rifts among U.S. allies. In particular, it analyzed that European allies such as France feel betrayed by AUKUS and that it will have a negative impact on the denuclearization of the Asia-Pacific region.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Xinhua reported that Australia canceled a 77 trillion won diesel submarine purchase contract with France after receiving nuclear submarine technology transfers from the United States and the United Kingdom. It added that an unprecedented situation occurred where France recalled its ambassadors to the U.S. and Australia as a strong expression of dissatisfaction.

Xinhua also conveyed interviews with French Foreign and Defense Ministers to local media. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian condemned President Joe Biden for making unilateral and unpredictable decisions like his predecessor Donald Trump, criticizing the AUKUS member countries?the U.S., Australia, and the U.K.?collectively, according to Xinhua.

Florence Parly, French Defense Minister, expressed unfiltered dissatisfaction toward the U.S., Australia, and the U.K., stating that Australia's cancellation of the contract with France violated promises between the two countries and was a serious decision from an international political perspective.

The French Ministry of Defense canceled the scheduled France-U.K. defense ministerial meeting in the U.K. this week in protest of the submarine contract cancellation.

The French political sphere also expressed displeasure without reservation, stating that the cancellation of the diesel submarine contract was a diplomatic, trade, and historical insult to France and caused enormous losses, Xinhua reported.

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

Xinhua introduced French media articles stating that France was 'slapped' by the U.S., the U.K., and Australia. French media such as Le Monde criticized the U.S. for forcing Switzerland to purchase the 'F-35A' fighter jets instead of the Rafale, portraying the U.S. as a country pursuing only its own economic and commercial interests, and stated that the European Union (EU) should not expect goodwill from the U.S.

Xinhua analyzed that this incident marks the worst deterioration in France-U.S. relations since the 2003 Iraq War and that the diplomatic crisis between the two countries could last for a considerable period.

Quoting the French Le Figaro, Xinhua forecasted that unilateral actions by the U.S., such as the withdrawal from Afghanistan, will not only deepen conflicts among allies but also strengthen Europe's will for 'strategic independence.'

Xinhua also reported negative sentiments toward AUKUS within Australia. It added that improving relations between France and Australia will not be easy due to AUKUS and that Australia may face economic and diplomatic retaliation.

Xinhua conveyed experts' concerns that AUKUS could set a precedent for U.S. allies wanting to possess nuclear submarines in the future, potentially leading to increased uranium enrichment activities.

Xinhua implied criticism of AUKUS, formed to contain China, for deepening conflicts among U.S. allies and reflecting the U.S.'s hegemonic and selfish mindset.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the French government announced on the 19th (local time) that at the request of the U.S., French President Emmanuel Macron will soon have a phone call with U.S. President Joe Biden, during which President Macron is expected to hear President Biden's explanation regarding the cancellation of the diesel submarine contract.