BLUF
France is an influential player in the Indo-Pacific; therefore, Australia and the USA must rebuild their relationship with France.Summary
This article gives a French perspective on Australia's cancellation of the French Attack Class Submarine. Key points are:
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The submarine cancellation aids those within the EU who think the Indo–Pacific is too far away and China's trade is too important to risk.
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France has strong permanent political and military assets in the Indo-Pacific and exercised (including the Charles de Gaulle) with Quad navies.
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In 2018 President Emmanuel Macron committed to counterbalancing China.
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In Aug 2021, France and Australia inaugurated their first 2+2 ministerial dialogue.
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France, fearing American unreliability during the Trump era, sought to bring together Indo- Pacific regional powers.
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The submarine contract symbolised French and EU Indo-Pacific engagement.
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France was the driving force behind the European Union strategy for the Indo-Pacific.
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Afghanistan shows the limits of U.S. commitment and effectiveness.
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AUKUS supports a post Brexit "Global Britain", but British Pacific capacities are limited.
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The lack of consultation sends a negative message to France about how AUKUS views France's strategic value.
References
- Sep 2021 Sydney Morning Herald Clumsy, deceitful and costly’: Turnbull slams handling of nuclear submarine decision
- Sep 2021 Sydney Morning Herald A relic of a bygone age? I might be, but I’m not a defeatist
- Sep 2021 The Age Limited impact’: Macron to stay the course in Indo-Pacific despite submarine snub
- Sep 2021 the Age Why Washington was so ecstatic about Morrison’s AUKUS pact
- Sep 2021 ABC News After Australia cancels submarine order, French President Emmanuel Macron tells Europeans to stop being naïve
