India, Australia, Japan and the United States preparing to participate in the first in-person Quad leaders' summit in Washington on Friday (September 24), however, furious China has criticised the grouping.

India, Australia, Japan and the United States preparing to participate in the first in-person Quad leaders' summit in Washington on Friday (September 24), however, furious China has criticised the grouping. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his counterparts Scott Morrison of Australia and Yoshihide Suga of Japan arrived in the American capital at the invitation of US President Joe Biden to discuss the Coronavirus pandemic, climate change, economic cooperation and other global issues. Although China is not officially on the agenda, but political analysts have suggested that leaders might address Beijing's aggressive behaviour in the South China Sea, free Indo-Pacific freedom of navigation, etc. ALSO READ | COVID-19, climate change on agenda as PM Narendra Modi prepares to attend Quad On being asked for China's reaction on the Quad summit, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told the media that the quadrilateral grouping should not target any third country and its interests. "China always believes that any regional cooperation mechanism should not target a third party or harm its interests. Seeking exclusive closed cliques against a third country runs against the trend of the times and aspiration of countries in the region. It will find no support," he said. On China's claims in the South China Sea, Zhao said: "China is a builder of world peace, contributor of global development and upholder of world order". "The growth of China means the growth for peace and stability in the world and China's contribution to peace, stability and development in Asia Pacific is therefore all to see." "Relevant countries should do more that is conducive to solidarity and cooperation with the four countries in the region," he added. ALSO READ | US Vice President Kamala Harris referred to Pakistan's role in terrorism during meeting with PM Modi: Shringla × Earlier in March, President Biden hosted the first-ever summit of the Quad leaders in the virtual format that vowed to strive for an Indo-Pacific region that is free, open, inclusive, anchored by democratic values, and unconstrained by coercion, sending a subtle message to China. Beijing claims almost all of the 1.3 million square miles of the South China Sea as its sovereign territory. China has been building military bases on artificial islands in the region also claimed by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. (With inputs from agencies)

Furious China slams Quad ahead of grouping's first in-person summit in US

Australian trade minister Dan Tehan in an exclusive conversation with WION sheds light on the AUKUS row and how it can affect India and what to expect from the Indian PM Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart at the bilateral meets.

Australian Trade Minister Dan Tehan exclusive on AUKUS row and more | WION-USA Direct

Coronavirus pandemic, climate change, economic cooperation and Afghanistan are on agenda as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to participate in the first in-person Quad leaders' summit in Washington on Friday (September 24), hosted by US President Joe Biden.&nbsp;

The Quad consists of four countries: the United States, Australia, India, and Japan; and their respective leaders Joe Biden, Scott Morrison, Narendra Modi and Yoshihide Suga will discuss issues pertaining to security, economy, health and other global matters.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vice-president-kamala-harris-referred-to-pakistans-role-in-terrorism-during-meeting-with-pm-modi-shringla-415387">US Vice President Kamala Harris referred to Pakistan's role in terrorism during meeting with PM Modi: Shringla</a>

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What's on the agenda?

During the crucial meeting, it is expected that the leaders will review the Quad Covid vaccine initiative and will review progress made since their first virtual summit on March 12, 2021, and discuss regional issues of shared interest.&nbsp;

The leaders are expected to exchange views on contemporary global issues such as critical and emerging technologies, connectivity and infrastructure, cyber security, maritime security, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, climate change and education.&nbsp;

Although China is not officially on the agenda, the leaders might address the free and open Indo-Pacific trade and freedom of navigation.&nbsp;

For the US, the Quad meeting marks another step to reviving an American focus on diplomatic efforts, following its dramatic exit from the 20-year Afghanistan war.&nbsp;

A US official has said that hosting the Quad fundamentally is a demonstration of the priority of engaging in the Indo-Pacific, including through new multilateral configurations designed to focus on 21st-century challenges.&nbsp;

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Ahead of the&nbsp;Quad summit, PM Modi met his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison, US Vice President Kamala Harris and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.

The Indian prime minister also held meetings with five global CEOs for potential investment in India.

Biden is scheduled to host PM Modi at the White House on September 24. This is going to be the first in-person meeting between the two leaders after Biden took over as the US President on January 20.

PM Modi's US visit will conclude on September 25 with an address at the United Nations General Assembly focusing on the pressing global challenges including the Covid&nbsp; pandemic, the need to combat terrorism, climate change, and other important issues.

(With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus pandemic, climate change, economic cooperation and Afghanistan are on agenda as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to participate in the first in-person Quad leaders' summit in Washington on Friday (September 24), hosted by US President Joe Biden.

Coronavirus pandemic, climate change, economic cooperation and Afghanistan are on agenda as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to participate in the first in-person Quad leaders' summit in Washington on Friday (September 24), hosted by US President Joe Biden. The Quad consists of four countries: the United States, Australia, India, and Japan; and their respective leaders Joe Biden, Scott Morrison, Narendra Modi and Yoshihide Suga will discuss issues pertaining to security, economy, health and other global matters. ALSO READ | US Vice President Kamala Harris referred to Pakistan's role in terrorism during meeting with PM Modi: Shringla What's on the agenda? During the crucial meeting, it is expected that the leaders will review the Quad Covid vaccine initiative and will review progress made since their first virtual summit on March 12, 2021, and discuss regional issues of shared interest. The leaders are expected to exchange views on contemporary global issues such as critical and emerging technologies, connectivity and infrastructure, cyber security, maritime security, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, climate change and education. Although China is not officially on the agenda, the leaders might address the free and open Indo-Pacific trade and freedom of navigation. For the US, the Quad meeting marks another step to reviving an American focus on diplomatic efforts, following its dramatic exit from the 20-year Afghanistan war. A US official has said that hosting the Quad fundamentally is a demonstration of the priority of engaging in the Indo-Pacific, including through new multilateral configurations designed to focus on 21st-century challenges. × Ahead of the Quad summit, PM Modi met his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison, US Vice President Kamala Harris and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga. The Indian prime minister also held meetings with five global CEOs for potential investment in India. Biden is scheduled to host PM Modi at the White House on September 24. This is going to be the first in-person meeting between the two leaders after Biden took over as the US President on January 20. PM Modi's US visit will conclude on September 25 with an address at the United Nations General Assembly focusing on the pressing global challenges including the Covid pandemic, the need to combat terrorism, climate change, and other important issues. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19, climate change on agenda as PM Narendra Modi prepares to attend Quad

The France, US and Australia are battling different issues. The three countries are at loggerheads with each other over a submarine deal.

France, US and Australia at loggerheads with each other

US President Joe Biden and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison welcomed their new security ties ahead of their bilateral meeting alongside the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City.

WION-USA Direct: US President Joe Biden meets Australian PM Scott Morrison on UNGA sidelines

The foreign ministers of the European Union held a closed-door meeting in New York City. The meeting was held on the Australia-France submarine deal worth $40 billion.

WION-USA Direct: European Union foreign ministers held closed-door meet in New York City

French President Emmanuel Macron has discussed cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as France deals with the fallout from Australia’s cancellation of a $40bn French submarine order.

Macron and Modi discusses Indo-Pacific, vow to ‘act jointly’ after submarine dispute

Australia hit by a rare magnitude 6.0 earthquake

Melbourne was struck by a magnitude 6.0 earthquake on Wednesday. This was one of Australia's biggest quakes on record that caused damage to building in Melbourne and sent tremors throughout neighbouring states.

The epicentre was near Mansfield, a rural town in the state of Victoria. The town is about 200 km northeast of Melbourne. The epicentre was at a depth of 10 km. An aftershock of intensity 4.0 was recorded.

Images and videos on social media showed rubble blocking one of Melbourne's main streets. People in the northern parts of the city said that they were without power.

The earthquake was felt as far as Adelaide and Sydney. However, there were no immediate reports of damage and injuries outside Melbourne.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australias-submarines-make-waves-in-asia-long-before-they-go-to-sea-414743">Australia’s submarines make waves in Asia long before they go to sea</a> 
 
More than half of Australia's 25 million population lives in the southeast of the country from Adelaide to Melbourne to Sydney.

"We have had no reports of serious injuries, or worse, and that is very good news and we hope that good news will continue," Prime Minister Scott Morrison told reporters in Washington.

"It can be a very disturbing event, an earthquake of this nature. They are very rare events in Australia and as a result, I am sure people would have been quite distressed and disturbed."

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Quakes are relatively unusual in Australia's populated east due to its position in the middle of the Indo-Australian Tectonic Plate, according to Geoscience Australia. The quake on Wednesday measured higher than the country's deadliest tremor, a 5.6 in Newcastle in 1989, which resulted in 13 deaths.

The mayor of Mansfield, Mark Holcombe, said he was in his home office on his farm when the quake struck and ran outside for safety.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/before-trade-talks-eu-seeks-apology-from-australia-over-frances-treatment-in-aukus-row-414641">Before trade talks, EU seeks apology from Australia over France’s treatment in Aukus row</a>

"I have been in earthquakes overseas before and it seemed to go on longer than I have experienced before," Holcombe told the ABC. "The other thing that surprised me was how noisy it was. It was a real rumbling like a big truck going past."

He knew of no serious damage near the quake epicentre, although some residents reported problems with telecommunications.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-showed-its-affection-to-france-during-world-wars-says-acting-pm-414446">Australia showed its 'affection' to France during world wars, says acting PM</a>

No tsunami threat was issued to the Australian mainland, islands or territories, the country's Bureau of Meteorology said in a statement.

The quake presented a potential disruption for anti-lockdown protests expected in Melbourne on Wednesday, which would be the third day of unrest that has reached increasing levels of violence and police response.

(With inputs from agencies)

Melbourne was struck by a magnitude 6.0 earthquake on Wednesday. This was one of Australia's biggest quakes on record that caused damage to building in Melbourne and sent tremors throughout neighbouring states.

Melbourne was struck by a magnitude 6.0 earthquake on Wednesday. This was one of Australia's biggest quakes on record that caused damage to building in Melbourne and sent tremors throughout neighbouring states. The epicentre was near Mansfield, a rural town in the state of Victoria. The town is about 200 km northeast of Melbourne. The epicentre was at a depth of 10 km. An aftershock of intensity 4.0 was recorded. Images and videos on social media showed rubble blocking one of Melbourne's main streets. People in the northern parts of the city said that they were without power. The earthquake was felt as far as Adelaide and Sydney. However, there were no immediate reports of damage and injuries outside Melbourne. Also Read: Australia’s submarines make waves in Asia long before they go to sea More than half of Australia's 25 million population lives in the southeast of the country from Adelaide to Melbourne to Sydney. "We have had no reports of serious injuries, or worse, and that is very good news and we hope that good news will continue," Prime Minister Scott Morrison told reporters in Washington. "It can be a very disturbing event, an earthquake of this nature. They are very rare events in Australia and as a result, I am sure people would have been quite distressed and disturbed." Quakes are relatively unusual in Australia's populated east due to its position in the middle of the Indo-Australian Tectonic Plate, according to Geoscience Australia. The quake on Wednesday measured higher than the country's deadliest tremor, a 5.6 in Newcastle in 1989, which resulted in 13 deaths. The mayor of Mansfield, Mark Holcombe, said he was in his home office on his farm when the quake struck and ran outside for safety. Also Read: Before trade talks, EU seeks apology from Australia over France’s treatment in Aukus row "I have been in earthquakes overseas before and it seemed to go on longer than I have experienced before," Holcombe told the ABC. "The other thing that surprised me was how noisy it was. It was a real rumbling like a big truck going past." He knew of no serious damage near the quake epicentre, although some residents reported problems with telecommunications. Also Read: Australia showed its 'affection' to France during world wars, says acting PM No tsunami threat was issued to the Australian mainland, islands or territories, the country's Bureau of Meteorology said in a statement. The quake presented a potential disruption for anti-lockdown protests expected in Melbourne on Wednesday, which would be the third day of unrest that has reached increasing levels of violence and police response. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia: Rare 6.0 magnitude earthquake strikes Melbourne

The United States did not directly mention China in announcing its historic new security partnership with Australia and Britain last week, but it didn’t have to. The defense deal is a clear escalation and indication that Washington views Beijing as an adversary.

It also has thrust Australia into a central role in America’s rivalry with China. After hinting at a more self-reliant defense posture for the past several years, Australia’s government is now instead betting big on the future of its alliance with the United States with the new pact. Australia seems to be assuming that America will remain engaged in Asia for the long haul and will be prepared to face down China if necessary — but it shouldn’t.

The crux of the partnership, called AUKUS, is an agreement for the United States and Britain to share their technology to help Australia deploy nuclear-powered submarines. But this is no ordinary arms agreement, nothing like exporting fighter jets or howitzers. Only a handful of nations have nuclear-powered submarines, and Australia will be just the second country, after Britain, to benefit from the top-secret U.S. technology.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-has-lost-30-of-its-koala-population-in-3-years-due-to-bushfire-deforestation-414883">Australia has lost 30% of its koala population in 3 years due to bushfire, deforestation</a>

Why is Australia worthy of such favorable treatment? It’s not just that it is one of America’s oldest and closest allies. It’s that for many American observers of China’s increasingly aggressive behavior, Australia is also the canary in the coal mine for great power competition with China.

Australia has been subject to economic coercion from China against its exports, such as barley and coal. Chinese hackers were implicated in a breach of the Australian parliament’s website in 2019. Its security agencies report widespread espionage and interference activities. And its ministers have been frozen out by their Chinese counterparts. Last year, a Chinese diplomat even released a list of 14 grievances Beijing holds against Australia — a document that featured in deliberations at the Group of 7 summit in June.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/before-trade-talks-eu-seeks-apology-from-australia-over-frances-treatment-in-aukus-row-414641">Before trade talks, EU seeks apology from Australia over France’s treatment in Aukus row</a>

Those grievances reflect the tough line Australia has taken against Beijing, from barring Chinese telecom giant Huawei from competing for a 5G infrastructure project to introducing far-reaching legislation to curb foreign interference in politics and tearing up a state’s Belt and Road agreements with China. Australia also has increased its defense spending over the past five years, particularly its naval procurement. AUKUS takes this to a new level.

Like the United States, Australia’s government has watched with increasing alarm the rapid and extensive buildup of China’s military capabilities, particularly its naval forces.

For most of its history, Australia has relied on a friend or ally to help secure the Pacific Ocean. The only serious threat to Australia’s territorial integrity since European settlement more than 200 years ago was during World War II. If Chinese — not American — maritime power were to dominate Asia’s waterways, Australia would undoubtedly face a more uncertain future.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aukus-wont-impact-bilateral-cooperation-quad-us-to-india-414606">AUKUS won't impact bilateral cooperation, Quad: US to India</a>

So although the AUKUS initiative was a surprise to many around the world, the Australian government’s motivation is clear. Saddled with a late and over-budget French submarine project, the Australian government saw an opportunity not only to bolster its naval strength by getting the world’s leading submarine technology but also to bring the United States into a closer embrace.

The Biden team agreed because it, too, is worried about China. But there is a difference. The United States is in Asia by choice; Australia has no such luxury. Washington’s gesture, this commitment of American military and technological prowess, is hugely significant. But it is no guarantee the United States is prepared to enter into a new Cold War-style contest with China.

The United States is blessed by geography, friendly neighbors, a huge economy, an unrivaled military and a nuclear-weapons arsenal to help maintain its security. But China is strong too. The size of its economy alone makes it one of the mightiest adversaries the United States has faced in more than a century. So the United States would need a very good reason to take on a power as great as China.

The fact that China is authoritarian and bullies its neighbors should not be reason enough. Nor should the threats against U.S. allies like Australia, as alliances exist to further the aims of both partners — not just the junior one. Nor the fact that America would be somehow diminished if and when China attains global supremacy. There would need to be clear indications that China poses a threat to America’s core national security interests, to its territory and to its way of life. Since China does not clear that bar, there’s no urgent reason for the United States to undertake grievous risks to prevent its rise to regional leadership.

That doubt should be nagging at the minds of Australian decision makers who just staked their future on the alliance, and it should be on the minds of Americans, too. Why should the United States commit itself to a contest with China when the stakes are less than existential? Without a clear answer to that question, Australia must assume that it will ultimately need to ensure its security alone.

The United States did not directly mention China in announcing its historic new security partnership with Australia and Britain last week, but it didn’t have to.

The United States did not directly mention China in announcing its historic new security partnership with Australia and Britain last week, but it didn’t have to. The defense deal is a clear escalation and indication that Washington views Beijing as an adversary. It also has thrust Australia into a central role in America’s rivalry with China. After hinting at a more self-reliant defense posture for the past several years, Australia’s government is now instead betting big on the future of its alliance with the United States with the new pact. Australia seems to be assuming that America will remain engaged in Asia for the long haul and will be prepared to face down China if necessary — but it shouldn’t. The crux of the partnership, called AUKUS, is an agreement for the United States and Britain to share their technology to help Australia deploy nuclear-powered submarines. But this is no ordinary arms agreement, nothing like exporting fighter jets or howitzers. Only a handful of nations have nuclear-powered submarines, and Australia will be just the second country, after Britain, to benefit from the top-secret U.S. technology. Also Read: Australia has lost 30% of its koala population in 3 years due to bushfire, deforestation Why is Australia worthy of such favorable treatment? It’s not just that it is one of America’s oldest and closest allies. It’s that for many American observers of China’s increasingly aggressive behavior, Australia is also the canary in the coal mine for great power competition with China. Australia has been subject to economic coercion from China against its exports, such as barley and coal. Chinese hackers were implicated in a breach of the Australian parliament’s website in 2019. Its security agencies report widespread espionage and interference activities. And its ministers have been frozen out by their Chinese counterparts. Last year, a Chinese diplomat even released a list of 14 grievances Beijing holds against Australia — a document that featured in deliberations at the Group of 7 summit in June. Also Read: Before trade talks, EU seeks apology from Australia over France’s treatment in Aukus row Those grievances reflect the tough line Australia has taken against Beijing, from barring Chinese telecom giant Huawei from competing for a 5G infrastructure project to introducing far-reaching legislation to curb foreign interference in politics and tearing up a state’s Belt and Road agreements with China. Australia also has increased its defense spending over the past five years, particularly its naval procurement. AUKUS takes this to a new level. Like the United States, Australia’s government has watched with increasing alarm the rapid and extensive buildup of China’s military capabilities, particularly its naval forces. For most of its history, Australia has relied on a friend or ally to help secure the Pacific Ocean. The only serious threat to Australia’s territorial integrity since European settlement more than 200 years ago was during World War II. If Chinese — not American — maritime power were to dominate Asia’s waterways, Australia would undoubtedly face a more uncertain future. Also Read: AUKUS won't impact bilateral cooperation, Quad: US to India So although the AUKUS initiative was a surprise to many around the world, the Australian government’s motivation is clear. Saddled with a late and over-budget French submarine project, the Australian government saw an opportunity not only to bolster its naval strength by getting the world’s leading submarine technology but also to bring the United States into a closer embrace. The Biden team agreed because it, too, is worried about China. But there is a difference. The United States is in Asia by choice; Australia has no such luxury. Washington’s gesture, this commitment of American military and technological prowess, is hugely significant. But it is no guarantee the United States is prepared to enter into a new Cold War-style contest with China. The United States is blessed by geography, friendly neighbors, a huge economy, an unrivaled military and a nuclear-weapons arsenal to help maintain its security. But China is strong too. The size of its economy alone makes it one of the mightiest adversaries the United States has faced in more than a century. So the United States would need a very good reason to take on a power as great as China. The fact that China is authoritarian and bullies its neighbors should not be reason enough. Nor should the threats against U.S. allies like Australia, as alliances exist to further the aims of both partners — not just the junior one. Nor the fact that America would be somehow diminished if and when China attains global supremacy. There would need to be clear indications that China poses a threat to America’s core national security interests, to its territory and to its way of life. Since China does not clear that bar, there’s no urgent reason for the United States to undertake grievous risks to prevent its rise to regional leadership. That doubt should be nagging at the minds of Australian decision makers who just staked their future on the alliance, and it should be on the minds of Americans, too. Why should the United States commit itself to a contest with China when the stakes are less than existential? Without a clear answer to that question, Australia must assume that it will ultimately need to ensure its security alone.

Australia is making a risky bet on the US

EU chief Charles Michel accused the United States of a lack of loyalty after Australia canceled a mega-contract with France to buy US nuclear submarines.

EU chief Charles Michel denounces 'lack of loyalty' by US

China is swelling into a military superpower. India, Vietnam and Singapore are spending more on defense. Japan is leaning to do the same. Now Australia, backed by the United States and Britain, has catapulted the military contest with Beijing in Asia into a tense new phase.

Their deal last week to equip Australia with stealthy, long-range nuclear-powered submarines better able to take on the Chinese navy could accelerate an Asian arms buildup long before the submarines enter service.

In response, China may step up its military modernisation, especially in technology able to stymie the submarines. And by confirming the Biden administration’s determination to take on Chinese power in Asia, the new weapons deal may tilt other big military spenders like India and Vietnam into accelerating their own weapons plans.

Countries trying to stay in the middle, like Indonesia, Malaysia and others, face a potentially more volatile region and growing pressure, as Australia did, to choose sides between Washington and Beijing.

“The picture is one of three Anglo-Saxon countries drumming up militarily in the Indo-Pacific region. It plays to the narrative offered by China that ‘outsiders’ are not acting in line with the aspiration of regional countries,” said Dino Patti Djalal, a former Indonesian ambassador to the United States. “The worry is that this will spark an untimely arms race, which the region does not need now, nor in the future.”

The submarines will not hit the water for at least a decade. But the geopolitical waves from their announcement have been instant, while giving Beijing time to marshal opposition among Asian neighbours and plot military countermoves.

Japan and Taiwan, both strong US allies, quickly endorsed the security agreement.

Other Asian governments have, through their remarks or silence, signified misgivings or apprehension about riling China. Many leaders in Southeast Asia want the United States to remain a security mainstay, said Ben Bland, director of the Southeast Asia program at the Lowy Institute in Sydney.

“But they also fear that the increasingly strident approach taken by the U.S. and allies such as Australia will push China to respond in kind,” he said, “driving a cycle of escalation that is centred on Southeast Asia but disregards Southeast Asian voices.”

Even before the deal, some governments had deployed new ships, submarines and missiles, at least partly out of worry about China’s rapid military buildup and contentious territorial claims. China accounts for 42% of all military spending across Asia, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

Japanese policymakers have begun to publicly consider increasing military spending beyond 1% of its gross domestic product, a cap that the country has maintained since the 1970s. South Korea, focused on the threat from North Korea, has increased its defence budget by 7% a year on average since 2018.

India has ratcheted up military spending as tensions with China have risen, though the economic hit from the coronavirus may slow that trend.

Indian plans to acquire another 350 locally assembled military aircraft in the next two decades, its air force chief said this month. Japan is working on hypersonic missiles that could threaten Chinese naval ships in a conflict. Taiwan, the self-governed island that China regards as its own territory, has proposed a $16.8 billion military budget for next year, including $1.4 billion for more jet fighters.

The Biden administration promises to help Asian nations counter China’s military buildup, something the new agreement with Australia highlights. That agenda is likely to be discussed in the White House this week when President Joe Biden hosts other leaders from the “Quad,” the grouping that includes Australia, Japan and India.

“China is the pacing threat that we have to be concerned about, not only today, but also in the near term and in the long term,” Gen. John Hyten, vice chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, said at an event for the Brookings Institution last week.

But many governments across Asia, especially in Southeast Asia, hope to avoid having to make the same choice that Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia made last week in declaring a “forever partnership” with the United States.

India, which has veered between border clashes with China and efforts to patch up ties with its neighbour, has been muted about the agreement. So has South Korea, which wants to keep steady relations with Beijing while it focuses on potential conflict with North Korea.

Indonesia’s foreign ministry said it was “deeply concerned over the continuing arms race.” Malaysia has voiced worry.

Lee Hsien Loong, the prime minister of Singapore, a city-state with good ties to both Beijing and Washington, diplomatically told Morrison that he hoped “the partnership would contribute constructively to the peace and stability of the region,” the Straits Times reported.

Outwardly, Australia’s plan to eventually build at least eight nuclear-powered submarines might seem to make little difference to China’s calculus. With about 360 vessels, the Chinese navy is the biggest in the world by number, and has around a dozen nuclear-powered submarines. Its nuclear submarine fleet is likely to grow to 21 by 2030, according to the U.S. Office of Naval Intelligence.

The US Navy has about 300 vessels, including 68 submarines, all of them nuclear. Even if Australia is relatively swift and efficient, not traits that have marked its submarine acquisitions over the decades&nbsp;its first nuclear-powered submarines may not be commissioned until later in the 2030s.

Positioning the hard-to-track submarines closer to seas near China, Japan and the Korean Peninsula could be a powerful deterrent against China’s military, said Drew Thompson, a former Pentagon official responsible for relations with China.

“The Middle East wars have ended,” said Thompson, now a visiting senior research fellow at the National University of Singapore. “We are in an interwar period, and the next one will be a high-end, high-intensity conflict with a near-peer competitor, probably involving China, and most likely in northeast Asia.”

After condemning the submarine agreement last week, the Chinese government has said little else. But China’s leaders and military planners are sure to consider military and diplomatic countermoves, including new ways to punish Australian exports, already hit by bans and punitive tariffs as relations soured in the past few years.

Beijing can also accelerate efforts to develop technologies for finding and destroying nuclear-powered submarines well before Australia receives them. Most experts said a technological race was more likely than a generalised arms race. China’s output of new naval ships and fighter planes is already rapid. Its anti-submarine technology is less advanced.

Nearer term, Chinese officials may step up efforts to marshal regional opposition to the submarine plan and the new security grouping, called AUKUS, for Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

“If you’re China, this also makes you think, ‘Well, I better get ahead of this,’” said Elbridge Colby, a former deputy assistant secretary of defence in the Trump administration. “If Australia takes this big step, then Japan could take a half step, and Taiwan takes a half step, and then India and then maybe Vietnam.”

But Beijing has created its own high barriers to winning support from neighbours. China’s expansive, uncompromising claims to waters and islands across the South China Sea have angered Southeast Asian countries. Beijing is also locked in territorial disputes with Japan, India and other countries.

“This AUKUS agreement very vividly shows that East Asia has become the focus of United States global security strategy,” said Zhu Feng, a professor of international relations at Nanjing University in east China. “It’s a reminder to China that if we can’t ease tensions with neighbours over the South China Sea and East China Sea, the US&nbsp;will continue trying to take advantage of this tension.”

China is swelling into a military superpower. India, Vietnam and Singapore are spending more on defense. Japan is leaning to do the same. Now Australia, backed by the United States and Britain, has catapulted the military contest with Beijing in Asia into a tense new phase.

China is swelling into a military superpower. India, Vietnam and Singapore are spending more on defense. Japan is leaning to do the same. Now Australia, backed by the United States and Britain, has catapulted the military contest with Beijing in Asia into a tense new phase. Their deal last week to equip Australia with stealthy, long-range nuclear-powered submarines better able to take on the Chinese navy could accelerate an Asian arms buildup long before the submarines enter service. In response, China may step up its military modernisation, especially in technology able to stymie the submarines. And by confirming the Biden administration’s determination to take on Chinese power in Asia, the new weapons deal may tilt other big military spenders like India and Vietnam into accelerating their own weapons plans. Countries trying to stay in the middle, like Indonesia, Malaysia and others, face a potentially more volatile region and growing pressure, as Australia did, to choose sides between Washington and Beijing. “The picture is one of three Anglo-Saxon countries drumming up militarily in the Indo-Pacific region. It plays to the narrative offered by China that ‘outsiders’ are not acting in line with the aspiration of regional countries,” said Dino Patti Djalal, a former Indonesian ambassador to the United States. “The worry is that this will spark an untimely arms race, which the region does not need now, nor in the future.” The submarines will not hit the water for at least a decade. But the geopolitical waves from their announcement have been instant, while giving Beijing time to marshal opposition among Asian neighbours and plot military countermoves. Japan and Taiwan, both strong US allies, quickly endorsed the security agreement. Other Asian governments have, through their remarks or silence, signified misgivings or apprehension about riling China. Many leaders in Southeast Asia want the United States to remain a security mainstay, said Ben Bland, director of the Southeast Asia program at the Lowy Institute in Sydney. “But they also fear that the increasingly strident approach taken by the U.S. and allies such as Australia will push China to respond in kind,” he said, “driving a cycle of escalation that is centred on Southeast Asia but disregards Southeast Asian voices.” Even before the deal, some governments had deployed new ships, submarines and missiles, at least partly out of worry about China’s rapid military buildup and contentious territorial claims. China accounts for 42% of all military spending across Asia, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Japanese policymakers have begun to publicly consider increasing military spending beyond 1% of its gross domestic product, a cap that the country has maintained since the 1970s. South Korea, focused on the threat from North Korea, has increased its defence budget by 7% a year on average since 2018. India has ratcheted up military spending as tensions with China have risen, though the economic hit from the coronavirus may slow that trend. Indian plans to acquire another 350 locally assembled military aircraft in the next two decades, its air force chief said this month. Japan is working on hypersonic missiles that could threaten Chinese naval ships in a conflict. Taiwan, the self-governed island that China regards as its own territory, has proposed a $16.8 billion military budget for next year, including $1.4 billion for more jet fighters. The Biden administration promises to help Asian nations counter China’s military buildup, something the new agreement with Australia highlights. That agenda is likely to be discussed in the White House this week when President Joe Biden hosts other leaders from the “Quad,” the grouping that includes Australia, Japan and India. “China is the pacing threat that we have to be concerned about, not only today, but also in the near term and in the long term,” Gen. John Hyten, vice chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, said at an event for the Brookings Institution last week. But many governments across Asia, especially in Southeast Asia, hope to avoid having to make the same choice that Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia made last week in declaring a “forever partnership” with the United States. India, which has veered between border clashes with China and efforts to patch up ties with its neighbour, has been muted about the agreement. So has South Korea, which wants to keep steady relations with Beijing while it focuses on potential conflict with North Korea. Indonesia’s foreign ministry said it was “deeply concerned over the continuing arms race.” Malaysia has voiced worry. Lee Hsien Loong, the prime minister of Singapore, a city-state with good ties to both Beijing and Washington, diplomatically told Morrison that he hoped “the partnership would contribute constructively to the peace and stability of the region,” the Straits Times reported. Outwardly, Australia’s plan to eventually build at least eight nuclear-powered submarines might seem to make little difference to China’s calculus. With about 360 vessels, the Chinese navy is the biggest in the world by number, and has around a dozen nuclear-powered submarines. Its nuclear submarine fleet is likely to grow to 21 by 2030, according to the U.S. Office of Naval Intelligence. The US Navy has about 300 vessels, including 68 submarines, all of them nuclear. Even if Australia is relatively swift and efficient, not traits that have marked its submarine acquisitions over the decades its first nuclear-powered submarines may not be commissioned until later in the 2030s. Positioning the hard-to-track submarines closer to seas near China, Japan and the Korean Peninsula could be a powerful deterrent against China’s military, said Drew Thompson, a former Pentagon official responsible for relations with China. “The Middle East wars have ended,” said Thompson, now a visiting senior research fellow at the National University of Singapore. “We are in an interwar period, and the next one will be a high-end, high-intensity conflict with a near-peer competitor, probably involving China, and most likely in northeast Asia.” After condemning the submarine agreement last week, the Chinese government has said little else. But China’s leaders and military planners are sure to consider military and diplomatic countermoves, including new ways to punish Australian exports, already hit by bans and punitive tariffs as relations soured in the past few years. Beijing can also accelerate efforts to develop technologies for finding and destroying nuclear-powered submarines well before Australia receives them. Most experts said a technological race was more likely than a generalised arms race. China’s output of new naval ships and fighter planes is already rapid. Its anti-submarine technology is less advanced. Nearer term, Chinese officials may step up efforts to marshal regional opposition to the submarine plan and the new security grouping, called AUKUS, for Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. “If you’re China, this also makes you think, ‘Well, I better get ahead of this,’” said Elbridge Colby, a former deputy assistant secretary of defence in the Trump administration. “If Australia takes this big step, then Japan could take a half step, and Taiwan takes a half step, and then India and then maybe Vietnam.” But Beijing has created its own high barriers to winning support from neighbours. China’s expansive, uncompromising claims to waters and islands across the South China Sea have angered Southeast Asian countries. Beijing is also locked in territorial disputes with Japan, India and other countries. “This AUKUS agreement very vividly shows that East Asia has become the focus of United States global security strategy,” said Zhu Feng, a professor of international relations at Nanjing University in east China. “It’s a reminder to China that if we can’t ease tensions with neighbours over the South China Sea and East China Sea, the US will continue trying to take advantage of this tension.”

Australia’s submarines make waves in Asia long before they go to sea

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As the fallout from the Aukus announcement threatens to delay an important&nbsp;trade deal, European Union (EU) officials are demanding answers and an apology from Australia over its treatment of France. &nbsp;

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Australia’s hopes of entering into a free-trade deal with the EU seems to have hit a roadblock as the EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen is demanding Canberra’s explanation on its conduct with&nbsp;EU member state, France.&nbsp;

While entering into a partnership with the United States and United Kingdom in a new agreement named as Aukus, the Morrison government announced it was cancelling its $90bn submarine contract with the French. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/aukus-could-trigger-a-nuclear-arms-race-north-korea-414521" hreflang="en">Aukus could trigger a 'nuclear arms race': North Korea</a>

The French have claimed to have been “blindsided” by the announcement. Although attempts have been made to soothe the controversy, the French recalled their ambassador and have asked the EU to reconsider Australia’s involvement in a free-trade deal with it. &nbsp;

The trade talks with Australia are expected to continue as planned. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-nuclear-submarine-contract-row-biden-seeks-early-talks-with-macron-to-clear-air-414228" hreflang="en">Amid nuclear submarine contract row, Biden seeks early talks with Macron to clear air &nbsp;</a>

“One of our member states has been treated in a way that is not acceptable, so we want to know what happened and why. Therefore, you first of all clarify that, before you keep on going with business as usual,” von der Leyen said.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

As the fallout from the Aukus announcement threatens to delay an important trade deal, European Union (EU) officials are demanding answers and an apology from Australia over its treatment of France.

As the fallout from the Aukus announcement threatens to delay an important trade deal, European Union (EU) officials are demanding answers and an apology from Australia over its treatment of France. Watch: × Australia’s hopes of entering into a free-trade deal with the EU seems to have hit a roadblock as the EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen is demanding Canberra’s explanation on its conduct with EU member state, France. While entering into a partnership with the United States and United Kingdom in a new agreement named as Aukus, the Morrison government announced it was cancelling its $90bn submarine contract with the French. Also Read | Aukus could trigger a 'nuclear arms race': North Korea The French have claimed to have been “blindsided” by the announcement. Although attempts have been made to soothe the controversy, the French recalled their ambassador and have asked the EU to reconsider Australia’s involvement in a free-trade deal with it. The trade talks with Australia are expected to continue as planned. Also Read: Amid nuclear submarine contract row, Biden seeks early talks with Macron to clear air “One of our member states has been treated in a way that is not acceptable, so we want to know what happened and why. Therefore, you first of all clarify that, before you keep on going with business as usual,” von der Leyen said. (With inputs from agencies)

Before trade talks, EU seeks apology from Australia over France’s treatment in Aukus row

EU foreign ministers will meet on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on Monday to discuss the AUKUS pact that scuppered a submarine deal between France and Australia.

WION-USA Direct: EU foreign ministers to meet over submarine dispute

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Australia doesn't have to prove its “affinity” and “affection” to the French as “tens of thousands of Australians died on French soil” during both world wars, said acting prime minister Barnaby Joyce. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The remark comes as the French government has got enraged with the cancellation of the French-Australian $90bn submarine deal and the announcement of the strategic partnership between Australia, the US and the UK, known as Aukus. The French ambassador has said the nation felt it had been “fooled”. &nbsp;

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In his first stint as acting PM, Joyce said he understood the French government’s disappointment about the scrapped $90bn submarine deal, but Australia had nothing to prove. &nbsp;

“Australia doesn’t need to prove their affinity and their affection and their resolute desire to look after the liberty and the freedom and the equality of France,” the leader said. &nbsp;

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“We have tens of thousands of Australians, who have died on French soil or died protecting French soil from the countries that surround them both in the first world war and the second world war. I never expected they came with a price because the price of those families, the tragedy of those deaths, is without price. It’s without cost.” &nbsp;

After Scott Morrison left the country to meet Joe Biden in the United States, Joyce made the comments.&nbsp;

Australia doesn't have to prove its “affinity” and “affection” to the French as “tens of thousands of Australians died on French soil” during both world wars, said acting prime minister Barnaby Joyce.

Australia doesn't have to prove its “affinity” and “affection” to the French as “tens of thousands of Australians died on French soil” during both world wars, said acting prime minister Barnaby Joyce. The remark comes as the French government has got enraged with the cancellation of the French-Australian $90bn submarine deal and the announcement of the strategic partnership between Australia, the US and the UK, known as Aukus. The French ambassador has said the nation felt it had been “fooled”. Watch: × In his first stint as acting PM, Joyce said he understood the French government’s disappointment about the scrapped $90bn submarine deal, but Australia had nothing to prove. “Australia doesn’t need to prove their affinity and their affection and their resolute desire to look after the liberty and the freedom and the equality of France,” the leader said. Also Read: Melbourne to buy trains from French firm amid diplomatic spat “We have tens of thousands of Australians, who have died on French soil or died protecting French soil from the countries that surround them both in the first world war and the second world war. I never expected they came with a price because the price of those families, the tragedy of those deaths, is without price. It’s without cost.” After Scott Morrison left the country to meet Joe Biden in the United States, Joyce made the comments.

Australia showed its 'affection' to France during world wars, says acting PM

France has accused longtime allies Australia and the United States of lying over a security pact that saw the Australian government scrap a contract to buy French submarines in favour of US vessels.

France rebukes Australia after submarine deal ditched

French President Emmanuel Macron will hold talks with his American counterpart Joe Biden “in the next few days.This comes amidst simmering tensions between France and the United States over a “secret” deal, which led to Australia scrapping a contract for submarines with a French company in favour of nuclear-powered submarines from the US.

French President Emmanuel Macron to hold talks with American counterpart Joe Biden

Aukus has created a full-fledged international dispute. An outraged France has called off an event in Washington DC. Paris is keen to recoup billions of dollars it lost after Australia broke a submarine contract. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Aukus has created a new problem for the United States

NATO military chief on Saturday played down the dispute between France and the US over the latter handing over a nuclear submarine contract, saying that the tensions between the two nations won’t have an impact on "military cooperation"&nbsp;within the group.

"There might be implications or consequences as a result of this agreement but I don't foresee for the moment it will have an impact on the cohesion within NATO,” Admiral Rob Bauer, chair of the NATO Military Committee, told reporters in Athens.

“First of all, as far as I know, Australia is a partner but it's not part of the NATO organisation. There are many agreements among nations that might have an affect on NATO on the political side.&nbsp;

"But for now, it will not have an affect as far as I can see on the military cooperation within NATO," Bauer added following NATO military chiefs of defence conference.

Watch

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On Thursday, France accused Australia of “backstabbing” and Washington of “Donald Trump-era behaviour” after Canberra scrapped a huge submarines deal with Paris and went for nuclear subs from the US.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-kept-india-in-loop-regarding-aukus-at-the-highest-level-413782">Australia kept India in loop regarding Aukus at the highest-level</a>

France's Naval Group, partly owned by the state, had been chosen to build 12 conventionally-powered submarines for Australia, based on France’s Barracuda nuclear-powered subs in development.

However on Wednesday, US President Joe Biden announced a new Australia-US-Britain defence alliance (AUKUS), extending US nuclear submarine technology to Australia as well as cyber defence, applied artificial intelligence and undersea capabilities.

The pact, widely seen as aimed at countering the rise of China, infuriated France, which lost its contract to supply conventional submarines to Australia that was worth Aus$50 billion ($36.5 billion) when signed in 2016.

As a result, French President Emmanuel Macron recalled its ambassadors to the United States and Australia on Friday.&nbsp;

A White House official expressed "regret" over the French envoy's recall but added "we will continue to be engaged in the coming days to resolve our differences, as we have done at other points over the course of our long alliance".

(With inputs from agencies)

NATO military chief on Saturday played down the dispute between France and the US over the latter handing over a nuclear submarine contract, saying that the tensions between the two nations won’t have an impact on "military cooperation" within the group.

NATO military chief on Saturday played down the dispute between France and the US over the latter handing over a nuclear submarine contract, saying that the tensions between the two nations won’t have an impact on "military cooperation" within the group. "There might be implications or consequences as a result of this agreement but I don't foresee for the moment it will have an impact on the cohesion within NATO,” Admiral Rob Bauer, chair of the NATO Military Committee, told reporters in Athens. “First of all, as far as I know, Australia is a partner but it's not part of the NATO organisation. There are many agreements among nations that might have an affect on NATO on the political side. "But for now, it will not have an affect as far as I can see on the military cooperation within NATO," Bauer added following NATO military chiefs of defence conference. Watch On Thursday, France accused Australia of “backstabbing” and Washington of “Donald Trump-era behaviour” after Canberra scrapped a huge submarines deal with Paris and went for nuclear subs from the US. Also read | Australia kept India in loop regarding Aukus at the highest-level France's Naval Group, partly owned by the state, had been chosen to build 12 conventionally-powered submarines for Australia, based on France’s Barracuda nuclear-powered subs in development. However on Wednesday, US President Joe Biden announced a new Australia-US-Britain defence alliance (AUKUS), extending US nuclear submarine technology to Australia as well as cyber defence, applied artificial intelligence and undersea capabilities. The pact, widely seen as aimed at countering the rise of China, infuriated France, which lost its contract to supply conventional submarines to Australia that was worth Aus$50 billion ($36.5 billion) when signed in 2016. As a result, French President Emmanuel Macron recalled its ambassadors to the United States and Australia on Friday. A White House official expressed "regret" over the French envoy's recall but added "we will continue to be engaged in the coming days to resolve our differences, as we have done at other points over the course of our long alliance". (With inputs from agencies)

AUKUS row won’t impact military cooperation: NATO military chief

The recalled French ambassador to Australia, Jean-Pierre Thebault, left the embassy in Canberra on Saturday. He has reached&nbsp;Sydney Airport. &nbsp;

The envoy called the surprise cancellation of a submarine contract with France in favour of a US deal "a huge mistake." &nbsp;

Earlier, a few hours after the French government expressed disagreement and anger over the new ‘Aukus’ alliance, the European country recalled its ambassadors from the US and Australia.

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Several nations and world leaders were shocked and surprised as the US, UK and Australia announced a new alliance in front of the world. &nbsp;

While China fumed over the new alliance’s harsh stance on the Asian country, the European Union (EU) claimed they were unaware of this new friendship. &nbsp;

However, the biggest setback came for the French government, who claim Australia abandoned its deal with Paris to buy French submarines in favour of US vessels.

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On Friday, Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian confirmed that the decision to recall ambassadors from the US and Australia was taken due to "the exceptional seriousness of the announcements made on September 15 by Australia and the United States". &nbsp;

The announcement came a few hours after France called off a gala at its ambassador's house in Washington which was scheduled for Friday. This event was organsied to celebrate the anniversary of a decisive naval battle in the American Revolution. &nbsp;

France has accused the US and Australia of practicing morally incorrect practices. "It's really a stab in the back," Le Drian said Thursday. "We had established a relationship of trust with Australia, this trust has been betrayed". &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;&nbsp;

The recalled French ambassador to Australia, Jean-Pierre Thebault, left the embassy in Canberra on Saturday. He has reached Sydney Airport. The envoy called the surprise cancellation of a submarine contract with France in favour of a US deal "a huge mistake.

The recalled French ambassador to Australia, Jean-Pierre Thebault, left the embassy in Canberra on Saturday. He has reached Sydney Airport. The envoy called the surprise cancellation of a submarine contract with France in favour of a US deal "a huge mistake." Earlier, a few hours after the French government expressed disagreement and anger over the new ‘Aukus’ alliance, the European country recalled its ambassadors from the US and Australia. Watch: × Several nations and world leaders were shocked and surprised as the US, UK and Australia announced a new alliance in front of the world. While China fumed over the new alliance’s harsh stance on the Asian country, the European Union (EU) claimed they were unaware of this new friendship. However, the biggest setback came for the French government, who claim Australia abandoned its deal with Paris to buy French submarines in favour of US vessels. Also Read: US and EU pledge 30 per cent cut in methane emissions On Friday, Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian confirmed that the decision to recall ambassadors from the US and Australia was taken due to "the exceptional seriousness of the announcements made on September 15 by Australia and the United States". The announcement came a few hours after France called off a gala at its ambassador's house in Washington which was scheduled for Friday. This event was organsied to celebrate the anniversary of a decisive naval battle in the American Revolution. France has accused the US and Australia of practicing morally incorrect practices. "It's really a stab in the back," Le Drian said Thursday. "We had established a relationship of trust with Australia, this trust has been betrayed". (With inputs from agencies)

Aukus deal: Recalled French envoy leaves embassy in Australia, reaches airport

The newly formed trilateral security agreement between the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom has now created a global rift with France. Watch the report to know more.

France calls US-Australia submarine deal a betrayal

A few hours after the French government expressed disagreement and anger over the new ‘Aukus’ alliance, the European country has recalled its ambassadors from the US and Australia.

Several nations and world leaders were left shocked and surprised as the US, UK and Australia announced a new alliance in front of the world.

While China fumed over the new alliance’s harsh stance on the Asian country, the European Union (EU) claimed they were unaware of this new friendship.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-china-fumes-over-new-alliance-taiwan-thanks-australia-and-us-for-firm-and-open-support-of-ausuk-413773">As China fumes over new alliance, Taiwan thanks Australia and US for 'firm and open support' of Aukus</a>

However, the biggest setback came for the French government, who claim Australia abandoned its deal with Paris to buy French submarines in favour of US vessels.&nbsp;

On Friday, Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian&nbsp;confirmed that the decision to recall ambassadors from the US and Australia was taken due to "the exceptional seriousness of the announcements made on September 15 by Australia and the United States".

The announcement came a few hours after France called off a gala at its ambassador's house in Washington which was scheduled for Friday. This event was organsied to celebrate the anniversary of a decisive naval battle in the American Revolution.

France has accused the US and Australia of practicing morally incorrect practices. "It's really a stab in the back," Le Drian said Thursday. "We had established a relationship of trust with Australia, this trust has been betrayed".

Emmanuel Macron-led government had a pending deal with Australia. After the announcement, France lost the contract to supply conventional submarines to Australia that was worth Aus$50 billion (31 billion euros, $36.5 billion) when signed in 2016.

French minister lashed out at US President Joe Biden and compared him to his predecessor, Donald Trump. "This brutal, unilateral and unpredictable decision reminds me a lot of what Mr Trump used to do," Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told Franceinfo radio. "I am angry and bitter. This isn't done between allies."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-aukus-has-created-a-new-problem-for-the-united-states-413866">WATCH |</a>

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Meanwhile, Australia and US have been trying to make it up to the angered nation.

Australia said that while it understands France’s anger, the country hopes it will continue working closely with Paris.

Australia said Friday it hoped to keep working closely with France but understood its "disappointment" with the scrapping of a major submarine deal.

"I absolutely understand the disappointment. There's no doubt that these are very difficult issues to manage," Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said in Washington. "But we will continue to approach constructively and closely with our colleagues in France."

She also added that the Australian government understands the importance of France’s work in the Pacific region. The minister added that she hopes the Australian government can work with the French government "to make sure that they do understand the value that we place on the role that they play and do understand the value we place on the bilateral relationship and the work that we want to continue to do together."

The US too is hoping to sort out the matter with France during the United Nations General Assembly&nbsp;being held in the country next week.

"We hope to continue our discussion on this issue at the senior level in coming days, including at #UNGA next week," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement on Twitter.

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[1 of 3]: We have been in close contact with our French allies. We understand their position, and we are aware of their plans to recall Ambassador Etienne to Paris for consultations. France is a vital partner &amp; our oldest ally, and we place the highest value on our relationship. <a href="https://t.co/xLci8Y8V6V">pic.twitter.com/xLci8Y8V6V</a>
— Ned Price (@StateDeptSpox) <a href="https://twitter.com/StateDeptSpox/status/1439027696730845184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"We have been in close contact with our French allies. We understand their position," Price said. "France is a vital partner &amp; our oldest ally, and we place the highest value on our relationship."

A few hours after the French government expressed disagreement and anger over the new ‘Aukus’ alliance, the European country has recalled its ambassadors from the US and Australia.

A few hours after the French government expressed disagreement and anger over the new ‘Aukus’ alliance, the European country has recalled its ambassadors from the US and Australia. Several nations and world leaders were left shocked and surprised as the US, UK and Australia announced a new alliance in front of the world. While China fumed over the new alliance’s harsh stance on the Asian country, the European Union (EU) claimed they were unaware of this new friendship. Also read | As China fumes over new alliance, Taiwan thanks Australia and US for 'firm and open support' of Aukus However, the biggest setback came for the French government, who claim Australia abandoned its deal with Paris to buy French submarines in favour of US vessels. On Friday, Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian confirmed that the decision to recall ambassadors from the US and Australia was taken due to "the exceptional seriousness of the announcements made on September 15 by Australia and the United States". The announcement came a few hours after France called off a gala at its ambassador's house in Washington which was scheduled for Friday. This event was organsied to celebrate the anniversary of a decisive naval battle in the American Revolution. France has accused the US and Australia of practicing morally incorrect practices. "It's really a stab in the back," Le Drian said Thursday. "We had established a relationship of trust with Australia, this trust has been betrayed". Emmanuel Macron-led government had a pending deal with Australia. After the announcement, France lost the contract to supply conventional submarines to Australia that was worth Aus$50 billion (31 billion euros, $36.5 billion) when signed in 2016. French minister lashed out at US President Joe Biden and compared him to his predecessor, Donald Trump. "This brutal, unilateral and unpredictable decision reminds me a lot of what Mr Trump used to do," Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told Franceinfo radio. "I am angry and bitter. This isn't done between allies." WATCH | Meanwhile, Australia and US have been trying to make it up to the angered nation. Australia said that while it understands France’s anger, the country hopes it will continue working closely with Paris. Australia said Friday it hoped to keep working closely with France but understood its "disappointment" with the scrapping of a major submarine deal. "I absolutely understand the disappointment. There's no doubt that these are very difficult issues to manage," Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said in Washington. "But we will continue to approach constructively and closely with our colleagues in France." She also added that the Australian government understands the importance of France’s work in the Pacific region. The minister added that she hopes the Australian government can work with the French government "to make sure that they do understand the value that we place on the role that they play and do understand the value we place on the bilateral relationship and the work that we want to continue to do together." The US too is hoping to sort out the matter with France during the United Nations General Assembly being held in the country next week. "We hope to continue our discussion on this issue at the senior level in coming days, including at #UNGA next week," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement on Twitter. [1 of 3]: We have been in close contact with our French allies. We understand their position, and we are aware of their plans to recall Ambassador Etienne to Paris for consultations. France is a vital partner & our oldest ally, and we place the highest value on our relationship. pic.twitter.com/xLci8Y8V6V — Ned Price (@StateDeptSpox) September 18, 2021 × "We have been in close contact with our French allies. We understand their position," Price said. "France is a vital partner & our oldest ally, and we place the highest value on our relationship."

'Just like Trump': France recalls ambassadors from US, Australia over Aukus nuclear submarine deal

The Kookaburras (Australian men`s hockey team) and Hockeyroos (Australian women`s hockey team) will not compete in the next edition of the FIH Pro League, with Hockey Australia (HA) also confirming non-attendance at various other FIH (International Hockey Federation) events over the coming months on Friday.

Australia and New Zealand will not take part in season 3 of the FIH Pro League (scheduled to start in October 2021) as a result of COVID related government travel restrictions and uncertainty in both nations. According to Hockey Australia, all participating countries and the FIH Pro League Council agreed it was untenable for international teams to travel to Australia and New Zealand, as well as for Australian and New Zealand teams to play overseas and return without having to quarantine."

Based on risk assessment and current Australian government health advice, Hockey Australia is not considering overseas hockey-related trips at this time," said Hockey Australia acting CEO, Michael Johnston. "The decision on our absence from the FIH Pro League was a collective one agreed on by all nations based primarily on other countries` difficulty or inability to travel into Australia and New Zealand. "In Australia it is apparent the easing of international travel restrictions is still a way off and none of the competing countries wanted to enter the next Pro League season without a level of assuredness," Johnston added. Hockey Australia said it remains committed to the Hockeyroos competing at the FIH women`s hockey World Cup in Spain and the Netherlands from July 1-17 next year.

The Kookaburras and Hockeyroos will also be part of the Australian Commonwealth Games team that will head to Birmingham in England between July 28 and August 8 2022.With COVID causing ongoing challenges and risks with international travel and subsequent quarantine, Hockey Australia has also withdrawn teams from the following tournaments:- FIH Hockey Men`s Junior World Cup India 2021 (November/December)- FIH Hockey Women`s Junior World Cup South Africa 2021 (December)- FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup Belgium 2022 (February).

The Kookaburras (Australian men`s hockey team) and Hockeyroos (Australian women`s hockey team) will not compete in the next edition of the FIH Pro League, with Hockey Australia (HA) also confirming non-attendance at various other FIH (International Hockey Federation) events over the coming months on Friday.

The Kookaburras (Australian men`s hockey team) and Hockeyroos (Australian women`s hockey team) will not compete in the next edition of the FIH Pro League, with Hockey Australia (HA) also confirming non-attendance at various other FIH (International Hockey Federation) events over the coming months on Friday. Australia and New Zealand will not take part in season 3 of the FIH Pro League (scheduled to start in October 2021) as a result of COVID related government travel restrictions and uncertainty in both nations. According to Hockey Australia, all participating countries and the FIH Pro League Council agreed it was untenable for international teams to travel to Australia and New Zealand, as well as for Australian and New Zealand teams to play overseas and return without having to quarantine." Based on risk assessment and current Australian government health advice, Hockey Australia is not considering overseas hockey-related trips at this time," said Hockey Australia acting CEO, Michael Johnston. "The decision on our absence from the FIH Pro League was a collective one agreed on by all nations based primarily on other countries` difficulty or inability to travel into Australia and New Zealand. "In Australia it is apparent the easing of international travel restrictions is still a way off and none of the competing countries wanted to enter the next Pro League season without a level of assuredness," Johnston added. Hockey Australia said it remains committed to the Hockeyroos competing at the FIH women`s hockey World Cup in Spain and the Netherlands from July 1-17 next year. The Kookaburras and Hockeyroos will also be part of the Australian Commonwealth Games team that will head to Birmingham in England between July 28 and August 8 2022.With COVID causing ongoing challenges and risks with international travel and subsequent quarantine, Hockey Australia has also withdrawn teams from the following tournaments:- FIH Hockey Men`s Junior World Cup India 2021 (November/December)- FIH Hockey Women`s Junior World Cup South Africa 2021 (December)- FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup Belgium 2022 (February).

Australia withdraw from Junior Hockey World Cups due to Covid-19

What is Aukus? The United States, The United Kingdom and Australia have announced a new security pact to counter China. The US & the UK plan to arm Australia with nuclear-powered submarines. Palki Sharma tells you all that you need to know.

Gravitas: Is the West dumping Quad for Aukus?

Australia had kept India in loop ahead of the announcement on Aukus&nbsp;agreement at the highest level. Australian&nbsp;Prime Minister Scott Morrison had informed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi via a telephonic conversation.

In addition to this, the foreign minister&nbsp;and Defense minister of Australia had also spoken to their Indian counterparts regarding the development. &nbsp;

"Before the announcement was made, the PMs, the minister of foreign affairs, the minister for defense all spoke to opposite here in India to inform them what the decision is,"&nbsp;Australian high commissioner Barry O'Farrell told&nbsp;media in Delhi.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-china-fumes-over-new-alliance-taiwan-thanks-australia-and-us-for-firm-and-open-support-of-ausuk-413773">As China fumes over new alliance, Taiwan thanks Australia and US for 'firm and open support' of Ausuk</a>

Under Aukus security partnership, US and UK will help Australia get nuclear powered submarines. The development comes amidst an aggressive China in the region and beyond.

China has been trying to increase its influence in the Pacific and has been involved in a trade war with Australia. "The fact is that decision arrived after deep consideration but my government based it on a sober assessment of the capabilities required to deal a more challenging strategic environment. We are a three-ocean nation, and nuclear power submarine will provide us with capabilities which it needs for its defense,"&nbsp;high commissioner explained.

Australia is one of the Quad member country. Next week, ahead of the first in-person summit of Quad leaders, Indian PM Narendra Modi will hold a&nbsp;bilateral talk with his Australian counterpart&nbsp;in Washington.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/aukus-china-calls-the-alliance-irresponsible-australia-shrugs-413679">&nbsp;Aukus: China calls the alliance 'irresponsible', Australia shrugs</a>

Quad is a grouping of four countries —&nbsp;India, US, Japan and Australia.&nbsp;

France is miffed with the development, and fears are over the India, France and Australia trilateral.

"Clearly France has expressed a level of dissatisfaction" but "we want to continue to work with India and France, just as we want to work with India and Indonesia about matters related to Indo Pacific", Envoy Barry said, elaborating that "what is important here is that, Australian government has made a decision based on its assessment of the current strategic climate. Clearly it hasn't been welcomed by France, but should not impact their engagement with Indo Pacific."

Australia had kept India in loop ahead of the announcement on Aukus agreement at the highest level. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison had informed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi via a telephonic conversation.

Australia had kept India in loop ahead of the announcement on Aukus agreement at the highest level. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison had informed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi via a telephonic conversation. In addition to this, the foreign minister and Defense minister of Australia had also spoken to their Indian counterparts regarding the development. "Before the announcement was made, the PMs, the minister of foreign affairs, the minister for defense all spoke to opposite here in India to inform them what the decision is," Australian high commissioner Barry O'Farrell told media in Delhi. Also read | As China fumes over new alliance, Taiwan thanks Australia and US for 'firm and open support' of Ausuk Under Aukus security partnership, US and UK will help Australia get nuclear powered submarines. The development comes amidst an aggressive China in the region and beyond. China has been trying to increase its influence in the Pacific and has been involved in a trade war with Australia. "The fact is that decision arrived after deep consideration but my government based it on a sober assessment of the capabilities required to deal a more challenging strategic environment. We are a three-ocean nation, and nuclear power submarine will provide us with capabilities which it needs for its defense," high commissioner explained. Australia is one of the Quad member country. Next week, ahead of the first in-person summit of Quad leaders, Indian PM Narendra Modi will hold a bilateral talk with his Australian counterpart in Washington. Also read | Aukus: China calls the alliance 'irresponsible', Australia shrugs Quad is a grouping of four countries — India, US, Japan and Australia. France is miffed with the development, and fears are over the India, France and Australia trilateral. "Clearly France has expressed a level of dissatisfaction" but "we want to continue to work with India and France, just as we want to work with India and Indonesia about matters related to Indo Pacific", Envoy Barry said, elaborating that "what is important here is that, Australian government has made a decision based on its assessment of the current strategic climate. Clearly it hasn't been welcomed by France, but should not impact their engagement with Indo Pacific."

Australia kept India in loop regarding Aukus at the highest-level

Will the new US-Australia-UK alliance sideline the QUAD? Has Europe lost out in the battle for dominance in the Indo-Pacific? Palki Sharma tells you how the world reacted to AUKUS.

Gravitas: What does AUKUS mean for India?

After the multi-billion dollar submarine deal, Australia and the United States have announced further expansion to their military cooperation.

After submarine deal, US Air Force to be stationed in Australia

Australia shrugged off Chinese anger over its decision to acquire US nuclear-powered submarines. The Australia PM has vowed to defend the rule of law in airspace and waters where Beijing has staked multiple hotly contested claims.

Australia shrugs off Chinese anger on submarine deal

New Zealand will delay the reopening of its trans-Tasman travel bubble, as case numbers in Australia rise and numbers in New Zealand continue to drop.

Deputy prime minister Grant Robertson on Friday confirmed that while the pause in quarantine-free travel had been due to expire next week, it would now be extended for at least a further 8 weeks.&nbsp;

New South Wales announced 1,284 new cases and 12 deaths, and Victoria announced 510 new cases.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/africa-covid-19-jab-shortfall-could-take-world-back-to-square-one-says-who-413652">Also read |&nbsp;Africa COVID-19 jab shortfall could take world 'back to square one', says WHO</a>

Meanwhile, New Zealand reported 11 new cases in the country, all based in Auckland.

COVID-19 response minister Chris Hipkins was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "protecting New Zealand from any possible further spread of the Delta variant of Covid-19 is our absolute priority. We have made great progress to contain our current outbreak and are working hard to ease restrictions next week. Reopening quarantine-free travel with Australia at this point could put those gains at risk.”

Not only this but New Zealand hit a new milestone in its vaccine rollout as more than 3 million people have had their first dose, which is 69 per cent of the eligible population. Just over 35 per cent of the eligible population is now fully vaccinated.

New Zealand will delay the reopening of its trans-Tasman travel bubble, as case numbers in Australia rise and numbers in New Zealand continue to drop. Deputy prime minister Grant Robertson on Friday confirmed that while the pause in quarantine-free travel had been due to expire next week, it would now be extended for at least a further 8 weeks.

New Zealand will delay the reopening of its trans-Tasman travel bubble, as case numbers in Australia rise and numbers in New Zealand continue to drop. Deputy prime minister Grant Robertson on Friday confirmed that while the pause in quarantine-free travel had been due to expire next week, it would now be extended for at least a further 8 weeks. New South Wales announced 1,284 new cases and 12 deaths, and Victoria announced 510 new cases. Also read | Africa COVID-19 jab shortfall could take world 'back to square one', says WHO Meanwhile, New Zealand reported 11 new cases in the country, all based in Auckland. COVID-19 response minister Chris Hipkins was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "protecting New Zealand from any possible further spread of the Delta variant of Covid-19 is our absolute priority. We have made great progress to contain our current outbreak and are working hard to ease restrictions next week. Reopening quarantine-free travel with Australia at this point could put those gains at risk.” Not only this but New Zealand hit a new milestone in its vaccine rollout as more than 3 million people have had their first dose, which is 69 per cent of the eligible population. Just over 35 per cent of the eligible population is now fully vaccinated.

New Zealand extends Australia travel bubble pause

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