Macron: "Australia Lied About Nuclear Submarine Deal with the US"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] French President Emmanuel Macron strongly criticized Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, accusing him of lying about the nuclear submarine deal made with the United States.

On the 31st (local time), during a press conference held in Rome, Italy, where the G20 summit was taking place, President Macron responded to reporters' question, "Did Prime Minister Morrison lie about the submarine deal?" by saying, "I know that (Prime Minister Morrison) lied."

Australia had previously announced the cancellation of a 77 trillion won contract for French diesel submarines and revealed plans to build nuclear submarines with technological support from the United States.

Macron added that Morrison explained to the French side that the diesel submarine contract did not meet Australia's strategic needs, which was the reason for canceling the deal.

After Australia unilaterally canceled the submarine contract, France strongly protested, saying it was "stabbed in the back by an ally." In September, France recalled its ambassadors from the United States and Australia, an unprecedented move in the diplomatic history between the two countries.

However, taking advantage of the G20 summit, France and the United States confirmed their intention to resolve the conflict.

U.S. President Joe Biden admitted, "This negotiation was managed clumsily," and said, "I thought President Macron was aware of this matter."

Nevertheless, France still seems to hold a grudge against Australia.

At the press conference, President Macron said to the Australian side, "You now have 18 months left to produce results. Good luck."

This was a sarcastic remark about Australia's plan to develop its own nuclear submarine technology through 18 months of joint research under the contract with the United States.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.