The Biden Administration’s decision to form an Indo-Pacific alliance with Australia and Britain in a strategic counter against China angers the European Union. Moreover, they feel they are at a disadvantage being left out and seeing it as a return to the Trump era.
Revealed this week, the initiative appears to have brought Biden’s season of friendship with Europe to a sudden end. AUKUS (an acronym for the alliance between “Australia, United Kingdom, United States”) excludes France and the European Union. To clarify, this move is just the latest in a series of steps that has taken Europe aback.
Biden has antagonized various allies with a go-it-alone approach on critical issues. This behavior comes after Biden promised EU leaders that “America is back” and multilateral diplomacy would guide US foreign policy.
France’s Position On Indo-Pacific Alliance
France’s foreign minister expressed “total incomprehension” towards the US’s recent moves, adding that it’s a “stab in the back.”
Due to the US’s recent developments, France will lose a $100 billion deal to build diesel submarines for Australia. Under the terms of the initiative, the US and Britain will help Australia build nuclear-powered ones.
Consequently, French anger on a commercial level is understandable, especially because France is the only EU nation with significant territorial possessions in the Pacific.
However, French and EU officials went further to explain their irritable position. They claim the Indo-Pacific alliance underscores the importance of developing plans to boost Europe’s own defense and security capabilities.
In addition, China reacted angrily, accusing the US and its allies of beginning a scheme that will destabilize the Pacific to the detriment of global security.
The reactions from France and Belgium were as severe as China’s. Both nations complained about their complete exclusion from the deal.
The White House and Secretary of State claim France was informed of the initiative before they announced it on Wednesday.
Furthermore, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said there “is no regional divide” with Europe over the Indo-Pacific strategy. “We welcome European countries playing an important role in the Indo-Pacific,” calling France a “vital partner.”
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