"The recall of our Ambassadors is a serious act. We want clarifications and explanations. At this stage, no date has been set for their return."
"The subject is not just the termination of an arms contract. Above all, it calls for serious reflection on the very conception we have of alliances, and on the type of strategy we want to develop in the Indo-Pacific. This goes beyond a single industrial relationship."
"What has happened is a breach of trust. An alliance that works is one where the partners are respected and where a shared strategy is put in place."
"The joint [Australian-US-UK] declaration is part of an Indo-Pacific strategy that prioritizes confrontation, even military confrontation."
"Our logic, and that of Europe - which was the one we were also developing with the Australians - is to develop an Indo-Pacific strategy which proposes to all the actors in the Indo-Pacific an alternative model to the Chinese model."
"We are on a different model. We do not underestimate the extent of the competition with China but we avoid prioritizing a military confrontation, so as to bring together in our strategy all the countries that are willing to join us."
"On Monday evening, I will discuss this issue with my 26 European colleagues in New York. Many European countries have told us of their shock."
"I am going to meet my Indian colleague Jaishankar. I will also be meeting with my Indonesian colleague. Finally, I suppose we will cross paths with Secretary Blinken, but there are no appointments planned at this stage."
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
I don't agree with your reading of Le Drian's interview. Over the past few years, France has been very supportive of Australia's strategic interests in the region, both diplomatically and militarily.
Diplomatically, Paris has stood with Canberra when it was under the pressure of China. See for instance this press conference during which Pres. Macron told PM Morrison that France "firmly rejects any coercive economic measure taken against Australia".
Similarly, there has been a growing 🇫🇷🇦🇺 diplomatic convergence to denounce China's aggressive posture, as witnessed in their bilateral declaration of August 30 (with very strong words on Taiwan, the South China Sea, human rights violations).
I saw many comments explaining that the US-Australian-UK deal is the result of France preaching for European strategic autonomy ("You got what you wished for"). This is a complete misconception of France’s strategy in the Indo-Pacific. A 🧵👇
France’s approach to the Indo-Pacific has never been about autonomy but about *inclusivity* and *multilateralism*.
While being clearheaded about the challenges posed by China, France has always been mindful of not fueling the growing rivalry between Washington and Beijing in the region.
🚨 French Foreign minister @JY_LeDrian just gave a public interview with @Francetele on the ongoing diplomatic crisis with Washington, Canberra and London. Very strong words again. A 🧵 on the main takeaways 👇
Recalling our Ambassadors "is a very symbolic [...] heavy political act which signals the gravity of the crisis between our countries".
"There have been lies, contempt and a breach of trust ... An hour before, we knew nothing about these negotiations. You do not deal with an ally like France with such brutality and unpredictability".
My take on France's decision to recall its Ambassador to the United States. Is Paris overreacting ? The answer is no. A 🧵 on the real reasons behind the French decision.
This is not about France's bruised ego. Nor only about a cancelled armament contract. This is about **trust** between supposed "oldest" allies.
The US-UK-Australian partnership was months in the making. Washington was an active player in this new alliance and deliberately conceal from Paris these discussions, even though it knew it directly affected French national interests.
🚨 In reaction to the #AUKUS agreement, the French Foreign minister @JY_LeDrian has just announced that France's Ambassadors to the U.S. and to Australia have been recalled in France. A historic decision signalling France's discontent.
"This exceptional decision is justified by the exceptional seriousness of the announcements made on September 15 by Australia and the United States".
The communiqué also denounces "unacceptable behaviors between allies and partners" affecting "our very conception of our alliances, partnerships, and the importance of the Indo-Pacific for Europe".
Here is the official response of France to the 🇬🇧🇦🇺🇺🇸 announcement. Very strong words:
"This decision is contrary to the letter and the spirit of the cooperation that prevailed between France and Australia, based on a relationship of political trust".
"The US choice to exclude a European ally and partner such as France from a structuring partnership with Australia, at a time when we are facing unprecedented challenges in the Indo-Pacific region ...
... whether in terms of our values or in terms of respect for multilateralism based on the rule of law, shows a lack of coherence that France can only note and regret".