Tossing diplomatic niceties out the window, France’s ambassador to Australia on Saturday described as a “huge mistake” the surprise cancellation of a multi-billion dollar submarine contract in favor of a U.S. deal. AdvertisementThe arms agreement between France and Australia, signed in 2016, was supposed to be based “on trust, mutual understanding and sincerity,” a fuming Thebault said. The U.S. deal scraps a $66-billion contract with French majority state-owned Naval Group to build 12 conventional diesel-electric submarines. Senior opposition lawmaker Mark Dreyfus called on the Australian government to fix its relationship with France. “The impact on our relationship with France is a concern, particularly as a country with important interests in our region,” Dreyfus said.

Source: Los Angeles Times September 18, 2021 15:45 UTC