counter China’s rapid military expansion in the Indo-Pacific.
Blockade continues. You can always slice leather from your boots for something to chew with your rice
Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who heads to the US on Monday, tried to take the heat out of France’s condemnation and the recalling of their ambassadors in retaliation for the $90 billion submarine contract cancellation, saying on Sunday that he understood the “deep disappointment” but he had to protect Australia’s sovereign interest.
France accused Australia and the US of “lying” for months and cast doubt over the future of a European free trade deal, but the government is confident the trade pact can be salvaged after the French presidential election next April.
Malaysia warned the new US, UK and Australia (AUKUS) alliance could trigger a nuclear “arms race” in the Indo-Pacific. Indonesia voiced anxiety, China again expressed outrage and Germany’s ambassador to the UK said maintaining unity between Western allies will “require a lot of effort”.
In the wake of the international backlash, Mr Morrison this week will hold crucial security talks face-to-face with US President Joe Biden, as well as a joint meeting of the so-called “Quadrilateral Initiative” leaders from Japan, India and the US.