Original title: French Ambassador to Australia will return to Canberra, saying whether relations can be repaired remains to be seen
China News Service, October 9th, reported that the French ambassador to Australia, who was recalled after the submarine contract “run orders” incident, is about to return to Canberra. During an interview on the 8th, he said that his task is to reassess all aspects of bilateral relations, and whether the relations between the two countries can be repaired “it remains to be seen.”
Australian Prime Minister Morrison previously stated that in order to prevent the trilateral security agreement (AUKUS) negotiated with the United States and Britain from being breached, he must keep it confidential and not disclose relevant discussions.
But the French ambassador to Australia, Pierre Taber, said that France is a close security partner of the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom and can trust this information. He is planning to return to Australia to renew his post, but he believes that it remains to be seen whether France-Australia relations can be repaired.
Pierre Tabor said, “It is naive to say that it is impossible to negotiate with France.” He added that U.S. President Biden and Secretary of State Brinken both admitted that the matter could have been handled better. Pierre Tabor said of the views of the two U.S. leaders, “They have officially stated that things should have been carried out in a different way. There should have been consultations.”
He said that the submarine is just one aspect of the broader political and security partnership between the two countries recognized by the Australian Parliament, “all without warning, without any prior discussion, and without any basic conversations with your allies. These, this is creating a deep crisis.”
After Australia cancelled its submarine contract with France, Pierre Tabor was recalled to Paris in mid-September. French Foreign Minister Le Drian announced on October 7 that Pierre Tabor will return to Australia soon. Australian Foreign Minister Payne said that she welcomes the return of Pierre Tabor and believes this is an important first step in the restoration of relations between the two sides.
Le Drian recently stated that the relationship between France and Australia will “restart” and this will not affect France’s continued participation in Indo-Pacific affairs.
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