France is ‘by our side’
PARIS: French President Emmanuel Macron said France was committed to “defending the balances of the IndoPacific”, as he reinforced the importance of Australia’s “central role” in the region.
Mr Macron greeted Scott Morrison in Paris with a ceremonial welcome at the Elysee Palace, before the pair sat down to discuss rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific and the roles of both countries in combating China’s increasingly aggressive behaviour and its economic coercion of countries including Australia.
Mr Macron said France understood Australia was “at the forefront of tensions in the region”, including threats and intimidation from Beijing.
“I would like to reiterate here how much we stand by your side. In addition to military exercises and ship calls, and until recently also that of a submarine, L’Emeraude, we have also continued to implement the program of 12 future submarines, which represent a pillar of our partnership and of the relationship of trust between our two countries,” Mr Macron said.
“I would like to tell you of our full and complete commitment.”
Mr Macron’s public comments supporting Australia came on the same day Boris Johnson said Britons stood “shoulder to shoulder with our Australian friends”.
The British Prime Minister, who has sent a strike carrier group to the Indo-Pacific led by the Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier and is also increasing Britain’s footprint in South Pacific nations to increase its diplomatic reach, said it was “vital to engage with China in as positive way as we can”.
“But where there are difficulties, which there evidently are, it’s vital allies – the UK, Australia – work together.”
Mr Morrison, who was expected to raise with Mr Macron Australia’s concerns about the $90bn future submarines program led by the French company Naval Group, said the French understood “liberty” better than anyone.
“Affinity is the way we describe our partnership. An affinity across so many different areas of the relationship. On everything from countering terrorism to our partnership in the Indo-Pacific, where in recent times we have sailed together in these past few weeks through the South China Sea,” Mr Morrison said.
“Every element of our partnership is about reinforcing the values and the beliefs we hold dearly.”