The United States and France are at loggerheads over the AUKUS deal, but a phone call amid Joe Biden and Emmanuel Macron have lowered the tensions. US secretary of states Antony Blinken acknowledges that repairing ties with Paris will take some time.

US secretary of states Antony Blinken says rebuilding France ties will take time | WION USA Direct

<p>British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday that he wants to "re-establish cooperation", Macron's office said, amid a diplomatic crisis over a submarine contract with Australia.</p>

<p>Macron was left furious last week after Australia ditched a mega-deal to buy diesel submarines from France in favour of American nuclear-powered ones -- secured during secret negotiations facilitated by Britain.</p>

<p>In the conversation, which the Elysee said came at Johnson's request, the British prime minister said he hoped for cooperation "in line with our values and our common interests", such as the battle against climate change, securing the Indo-Pacific region and the fight against terrorism.</p>

<p>Macron told Johnson that "he is awaiting his proposals", his office said in a brief statement.</p>

<p>French fury over what it sees as a "stab in the back" over the submarine contract saw Macron recall the French ambassadors to Washington and Canberra in an unprecedented diplomatic protest.</p>

<p>But the French envoy in London remained at her post, with France's Europe Minister Clement Beaune dismissing London as a mere "third wheel" in the deal and a "junior partner" to the US.</p>

<p>Using franglais, Johnson this week appealed to France to "Donnez-moi un break", calling for calm after tempers flared in France, while also telling Paris to "prenez un grip" ("get a grip").</p>

<p><strong>'Serious blow to trust'</strong></p>

<p>The submarine spat brought relations between Paris and London to their worst since Britain's 2016 vote to leave the European Union.</p>

<p>Brexit has led to several disagreements between both nations, notably over fishing rights but also the still vexing issue of trade between mainland Britain and the province of Northern Ireland.</p>

<p>Migrant flows have also been a major irritant between Paris and London.</p>

<p>There remains, however, a willingness on both sides to continue close cooperation in defence matters, experts say.</p>

<p>The submarine deal "created a legitimate anger in France and clearly dealt a&nbsp;serious blow to trust and&nbsp;cooperation between France and the UK in a relationship already strained by years of post-Brexit disputes", said Hans Kundnani and Alice Billon-Galland, analysts at the Chatham House policy institute.</p>

<p>But they said "the reality is the two countries share a similar set of interests and partners in the Indo-Pacific and beyond, and will need to find ways to navigate current tensions".</p>

<p>If they succeed that could open the way for other Europeans to also contribute to security in Asia, they said.</p>


British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday that he wants to "re-establish cooperation", Macron's office said, amid a diplomatic crisis over a submarine contract with Australia.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday that he wants to "re-establish cooperation", Macron's office said, amid a diplomatic crisis over a submarine contract with Australia. Macron was left furious last week after Australia ditched a mega-deal to buy diesel submarines from France in favour of American nuclear-powered ones -- secured during secret negotiations facilitated by Britain. In the conversation, which the Elysee said came at Johnson's request, the British prime minister said he hoped for cooperation "in line with our values and our common interests", such as the battle against climate change, securing the Indo-Pacific region and the fight against terrorism. Macron told Johnson that "he is awaiting his proposals", his office said in a brief statement. French fury over what it sees as a "stab in the back" over the submarine contract saw Macron recall the French ambassadors to Washington and Canberra in an unprecedented diplomatic protest. But the French envoy in London remained at her post, with France's Europe Minister Clement Beaune dismissing London as a mere "third wheel" in the deal and a "junior partner" to the US. Using franglais, Johnson this week appealed to France to "Donnez-moi un break", calling for calm after tempers flared in France, while also telling Paris to "prenez un grip" ("get a grip"). 'Serious blow to trust' The submarine spat brought relations between Paris and London to their worst since Britain's 2016 vote to leave the European Union. Brexit has led to several disagreements between both nations, notably over fishing rights but also the still vexing issue of trade between mainland Britain and the province of Northern Ireland. Migrant flows have also been a major irritant between Paris and London. There remains, however, a willingness on both sides to continue close cooperation in defence matters, experts say. The submarine deal "created a legitimate anger in France and clearly dealt a serious blow to trust and cooperation between France and the UK in a relationship already strained by years of post-Brexit disputes", said Hans Kundnani and Alice Billon-Galland, analysts at the Chatham House policy institute. But they said "the reality is the two countries share a similar set of interests and partners in the Indo-Pacific and beyond, and will need to find ways to navigate current tensions". If they succeed that could open the way for other Europeans to also contribute to security in Asia, they said.

France says UK's Boris Johnson offered to 're-establish cooperation'

<p>French officials said on Wednesday they had identified health workers suspected of leaking the vaccination status and personal details of President Emmanuel&nbsp;Macron.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The details of his "health pass", a QR code that acts as proof of vaccination or immunity and allows access to cafes and cultural life, has been shared on social media recently.</p>

<p>The health pass shared on social media also showed his full name and date of birth.</p>

<p>The data breach came after a similar mishap befell Prime Minister Jean Castex earlier this month, although his pass was snared using different means.</p>

<p>The national health insurance agency CNAM said the health professionals who had abused their access to&nbsp;Macron's details had been "identified" and they would now be referred to their oversight body for possible sanctions.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volcanic-eruption-could-last-three-months-in-spains-canary-islands-say-experts-415314">Volcanic eruption could last three months in Spain’s Canary Islands, say experts</a></strong></p>

<p>A presidential official who asked not to be named confirmed to AFP the authenticity of the health pass, saying health professionals had consulted the vaccine file of the president and circulated the data "either through negligence or malevolence".</p>

<p>All health professionals have access to the centralised computer system set up as part of the vaccination campaign, the official said.</p>

<p>Castex's QR code was shared on social media last week after internet users managed to scan it from a press photo where the premier was seen presenting his health pass.</p>

<p>Both&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;and Castex have since been given new QR codes.</p>

<p>The presidential spokesman said any citizen whose health pass had been leaked in this way could obtain a new one.&nbsp;</p>

<p>France in July made the health pass compulsory for access to cafes, restaurants and other services from July 21 on the orders of&nbsp;Macron.</p>

<p>Despite weeks of protests by opponents who consider it a violation of civil liberties, the pass is widely seen to have been a success, becoming an accepted part of daily routine and helping nudge the number of first-jabbed in France above 50 million.</p>


French officials said on Wednesday they had identified health workers suspected of leaking the vaccination status and personal details of President Emmanuel Macron.

French officials said on Wednesday they had identified health workers suspected of leaking the vaccination status and personal details of President Emmanuel Macron. The details of his "health pass", a QR code that acts as proof of vaccination or immunity and allows access to cafes and cultural life, has been shared on social media recently. The health pass shared on social media also showed his full name and date of birth. The data breach came after a similar mishap befell Prime Minister Jean Castex earlier this month, although his pass was snared using different means. The national health insurance agency CNAM said the health professionals who had abused their access to Macron's details had been "identified" and they would now be referred to their oversight body for possible sanctions. ALSO READ | Volcanic eruption could last three months in Spain’s Canary Islands, say experts A presidential official who asked not to be named confirmed to AFP the authenticity of the health pass, saying health professionals had consulted the vaccine file of the president and circulated the data "either through negligence or malevolence". All health professionals have access to the centralised computer system set up as part of the vaccination campaign, the official said. Castex's QR code was shared on social media last week after internet users managed to scan it from a press photo where the premier was seen presenting his health pass. Both Macron and Castex have since been given new QR codes. The presidential spokesman said any citizen whose health pass had been leaked in this way could obtain a new one. France in July made the health pass compulsory for access to cafes, restaurants and other services from July 21 on the orders of Macron. Despite weeks of protests by opponents who consider it a violation of civil liberties, the pass is widely seen to have been a success, becoming an accepted part of daily routine and helping nudge the number of first-jabbed in France above 50 million.

Health workers suspected of leaking Emmanuel Macron's vaccination status and personal details

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

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

Top EU official Charles Michel has accused Joe Biden of disloyalty over the AUKUS deal. With Europe backing France's position, is the transatlantic partnership facing a new challenge? What happened to Biden's promise of reviving alliances? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas US Edition: Europe rebels against Biden over AUKUS

<p>Rubbishing several reports, France has denied rumours about the country giving up its seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to the European Union (EU).</p>

<p>Reports started making rounds in the western media after a British magazine The Daily Telegraph reported that France is ready to give up its permanent seat at the UNSC to EU.</p>

<p>The report claimed that French President Emmanuel Macron would be willing to give its seat at the UNSC to EU in exchange for some support from some of the EU nations for a European army.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="fr">Contrairement aux affirmations du tabloïd anglais Daily Telegraph relayées ce matin, non, la France n’a pas proposé de laisser son siège au Conseil de sécurité des Nations unies. Il est à la France et le restera.</p>
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<p>However, France has categorically denied any such plans. "We formally deny this. The seat is ours and will remain that way," the spokesperson for the French government said. "We coordinate with the EU as much as possible and with complete sovereignty."</p>

<p>The news article has also been labelled as "extreme manipulation" by Sandro Gozi, a former Italian Europe minister.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-joe-biden-non-committal-on-us-uk-free-trade-deal-414913"><strong>WATCH |</strong></a></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-joe-biden-non-committal-on-us-uk-free-trade-deal-414913/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>This news has come a little after France was angered by Australia snubbing off a submarine deal which was worth&nbsp;$66 billion for a new defence pact with the US and UK.</p>

<p>The announcement had taken France by surprise. Since then, Macron has been trying to bring European countries together for a closer military integration.</p>


Rubbishing several reports, France has denied rumours about the country giving up its seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to the European Union (EU).

Rubbishing several reports, France has denied rumours about the country giving up its seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to the European Union (EU). Reports started making rounds in the western media after a British magazine The Daily Telegraph reported that France is ready to give up its permanent seat at the UNSC to EU. The report claimed that French President Emmanuel Macron would be willing to give its seat at the UNSC to EU in exchange for some support from some of the EU nations for a European army. Contrairement aux affirmations du tabloïd anglais Daily Telegraph relayées ce matin, non, la France n’a pas proposé de laisser son siège au Conseil de sécurité des Nations unies. Il est à la France et le restera. — Élysée (@Elysee) September 22, 2021 × However, France has categorically denied any such plans. "We formally deny this. The seat is ours and will remain that way," the spokesperson for the French government said. "We coordinate with the EU as much as possible and with complete sovereignty." The news article has also been labelled as "extreme manipulation" by Sandro Gozi, a former Italian Europe minister. WATCH | This news has come a little after France was angered by Australia snubbing off a submarine deal which was worth $66 billion for a new defence pact with the US and UK. The announcement had taken France by surprise. Since then, Macron has been trying to bring European countries together for a closer military integration.

'Seat is ours and will remain that way': France rubbishes reports about giving up UNSC seat to EU

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

As France's relation with United States takes an uncertain turn, French president Emmanuel Macron called up Indian PM Narendra Modi and discuss the Indo-pacific cooperation between the two countries.

French Prez Emmanuel Macron hold talks with Narendra Modi amid rift with US

<p>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;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>The trade talks with Australia are expected to continue as planned. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>“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.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


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

America's oldest ally, France, recalled its ambassador to the United States on Friday. The relationship appeared at a tipping point after the US, Australia and Britain shunned France in creating a new Indo-Pacific security arrangement.

France, recalls its ambassador to the United States

French tightrope walker Nathan Paulin performs between the Eiffel Tower and Theatre National de Chaillot in Paris. "It was not as easy as I thought," he says after completing the 600-meter walk on a slackline.

French tightrope walker Nathan Paulin completes 600-meter walk on slackline in Paris

France has escalated its protest against the loss of a $66 billion dollar submarine contract with Australia. Watch this report for more details.

France cancels defence meeting with UK

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:</strong></p>

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<p>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;</p>

<p>“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;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/melbourne-to-buy-trains-from-french-firm-amid-diplomatic-spat-414408" hreflang="en">Melbourne to buy trains from French firm amid diplomatic spat</a></strong></p>

<p>“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;</p>

<p>After Scott Morrison left the country to meet Joe Biden in the United States, Joyce made the comments.&nbsp;</p>


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

<p>French firm Alstom signed a contract on Monday to provide commuter trains to Melbourne, even as a diplomatic spat between France and Australia over a cancelled submarine deal rages.</p>

<p>Alstom said in a statement that it will supply 25 six-car X'trapolis trains to Australia's second-most populous city in a 300-million-euro (US$351 million, Aus$486 million) deal.</p>

<p>The trains will be built in the state of Victoria with at least 60 per cent local content, the company said. Alstom has a manufacturing plant in Ballarat, near Melbourne.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-university-student-guns-down-at-least-8-in-campus-rampage-414374"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Russian university student guns down at least 8 in campus rampage</strong></a></p>

<p>"Alstom is delighted to continue its long-term partnership with the Victorian Government and the local supply chain that will ensure we continue to build trains for Victoria, in Victoria," said the company's managing director for Australia and New Zealand, Mark Coxon.</p>

<p>The announcement comes as France has lashed out at Australia for backing out of a multi-billion-dollar deal for French conventional submarines in favour of US nuclear-powered vessels as part of a new defence alliance that also includes Britain.&nbsp;</p>


French firm Alstom signed a contract on Monday to provide commuter trains to Melbourne, even as a diplomatic spat between France and Australia over a cancelled submarine deal rages.

French firm Alstom signed a contract on Monday to provide commuter trains to Melbourne, even as a diplomatic spat between France and Australia over a cancelled submarine deal rages. Alstom said in a statement that it will supply 25 six-car X'trapolis trains to Australia's second-most populous city in a 300-million-euro (US$351 million, Aus$486 million) deal. The trains will be built in the state of Victoria with at least 60 per cent local content, the company said. Alstom has a manufacturing plant in Ballarat, near Melbourne. Also read | Russian university student guns down at least 8 in campus rampage "Alstom is delighted to continue its long-term partnership with the Victorian Government and the local supply chain that will ensure we continue to build trains for Victoria, in Victoria," said the company's managing director for Australia and New Zealand, Mark Coxon. The announcement comes as France has lashed out at Australia for backing out of a multi-billion-dollar deal for French conventional submarines in favour of US nuclear-powered vessels as part of a new defence alliance that also includes Britain.

Melbourne to buy trains from French firm amid diplomatic spat

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

<p>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.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>“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;</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p><strong>Watch</strong></p>

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<p>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.</p>

<p><strong>Also read </strong>|&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></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>As a result, French President Emmanuel Macron recalled its ambassadors to the United States and Australia on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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".</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>


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

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.

French government recalls its ambassadors from US and Australia

<p>In order to defend "rural values" and traditional bird hunting, which has been banned by the country's top administrative court, thousands of hunters marched in France on Saturday. &nbsp;</p>

<p>In southwest France’s medieval town of Mont-de-Marsan, around 13,000 people protested to the sound of hunting horns and firecrackers, said authorities. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>The demonstrators marched under driving rain while&nbsp;wearing bright orange, which is the colour of hunters' jackets. Further up in Brittany, a protest was also carried out in Redon&nbsp;and other areas too. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Eric, who likes hunting and fishing in Mont-de-Marsan, said, "I'm sick of seeing my culture fall to pieces. They've already eradicated my language, Gascon, now it's the traditional hunts." &nbsp;</p>

<p>The 47-year-old man added that he was fed up with "the Taliban of Paristan", referring to decision-makers in the capital. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/aukus-deal-recalled-french-envoy-leaves-embassy-in-australia-reaches-airport-414014" hreflang="en">Aukus deal: Recalled French envoy leaves embassy in Australia, reaches airport</a></strong></p>

<p>In August, the State Council had banned traditional hunting techniques, which are popular in France, such as hunting with nets or bird cages, in line with a 2009 EU directive. It followed, the banning of glue hunting in June. &nbsp;</p>

<p>As per activists, around 150,000 birds die annually in France from non-selective hunting techniques, such as glue traps and nets at a time when Europe's bird population is in free-fall. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


In order to defend "rural values" and traditional bird hunting, which has been banned by the country's top administrative court, thousands of hunters marched in France on Saturday.

In order to defend "rural values" and traditional bird hunting, which has been banned by the country's top administrative court, thousands of hunters marched in France on Saturday. In southwest France’s medieval town of Mont-de-Marsan, around 13,000 people protested to the sound of hunting horns and firecrackers, said authorities. Watch: × The demonstrators marched under driving rain while wearing bright orange, which is the colour of hunters' jackets. Further up in Brittany, a protest was also carried out in Redon and other areas too. Eric, who likes hunting and fishing in Mont-de-Marsan, said, "I'm sick of seeing my culture fall to pieces. They've already eradicated my language, Gascon, now it's the traditional hunts." The 47-year-old man added that he was fed up with "the Taliban of Paristan", referring to decision-makers in the capital. Also Read: Aukus deal: Recalled French envoy leaves embassy in Australia, reaches airport In August, the State Council had banned traditional hunting techniques, which are popular in France, such as hunting with nets or bird cages, in line with a 2009 EU directive. It followed, the banning of glue hunting in June. As per activists, around 150,000 birds die annually in France from non-selective hunting techniques, such as glue traps and nets at a time when Europe's bird population is in free-fall. (With inputs from agencies)

To defend 'values', thousands march against traditional hunting ban in France

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

<p>France’s election season began in force this week, with candidates for the presidency launching their bids or holding campaign-style events. But the person who stole the show was not a candidate, or even a politician, but a right-wing writer and TV star channeling Donald Trump.</p>

<p>Éric Zemmour became one of France’s top TV celebrities through his punditry on CNews, a Fox News-like channel, even as he was sanctioned twice for inciting racial hatred. This week he dominated news media coverage in the kickoff to elections next April.</p>

<p>A poll released Wednesday shows him rising among potential voters, beating out declared candidates such as the mayor of Paris. While his share would appear to put the presidency out of reach, he could disrupt the long-anticipated scenario of a duel between President Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen of the far-right National Rally.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deepening-partnership-with-india-eu-steps-up-engagement-in-indo-pacific-with-new-plan-413844">Deepening partnership with India: EU steps up engagement in Indo Pacific with new plan</a></strong></p>

<p>In a well-orchestrated blitz that blurred the lines between media and politics, Zemmour, 63, one of France’s bestselling writers, released a new book Thursday titled "France Has Not Said Its Last Word Yet," with a cover showing him standing with arms crossed in front of the French flag.</p>

<p>Zemmour said the cover had been modeled after Trump's “Great Again,” the 2015 book that outlined his political agenda before his election victory the following year, and that showed Trump in front of the American flag.</p>

<p>The cover, Zemmour said, was not the only way Trump had inspired him. While Zemmour coyly deflected long-standing rumors of a possible candidacy, this month he has sent stronger signals that he may follow Trump in a leap from television to politics.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-kept-india-in-loop-regarding-aukus-at-the-highest-level-413782" hreflang="en">Australia kept India in loop regarding Aukus at the highest-level</a></strong></p>

<p>"Obviously, there are common points," Zemmour said. “In other words, someone who is completely from outside the party system, who never had a political career and who, furthermore, understood that the major concerns of the working class are immigration and trade.”</p>

<p>In France's two-round presidential election, the two top vote-getters in the first round meet in a runoff. Macron has aggressively courted the traditional, more moderate right in a strategy to produce a final showdown with Le Pen, whom he beat in 2017. But the presence of Zemmour, with his appeal across the right side of France’s political spectrum, could upset that calculus.</p>

<p>"French politics has become totally unpredictable," said Nicolas Lebourg, a political scientist specializing in the right and far-right.</p>

<p>"In this extremely fluid context, things could end with the election of a Republican president after Macron is defeated because Zemmour picks up a few points," Lebourg added, referring to the Republicans, the party of the traditional right.</p>

<p>The poll released Wednesday showed 10% of voters supporting Zemmour in the first round of the election, up from 7% a week earlier and 5% in July. He is one of the few candidates registering in the double digits, outscoring some from France’s established parties, including the Socialist mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo.</p>

<p>According to a poll published Monday, Zemmour is one of the few candidates to draw support from both the French traditional right and far-right — a point he underscored in the interview, saying that the far-right National Rally "puts off the French bourgeoisie," while the Republicans "have only an extremely aging constituency and don’t connect with the young or the working class."</p>

<p>The poll also showed he is strong with the working class, men and young voters.</p>

<p>"His straight talk appeals a lot to a generation that has been very disappointed by politicians'&nbsp;lies and that is very mistrustful of the media," said François de Voyer, a host and financial supporter of Black Book, a 7-month-old YouTube channel that has featured long interviews with Zemmour and other personalities, mostly from the right and far right. He said Zemmour gives the impression of "never hiding what he thinks, even if it means making controversial remarks," adding, "I think it has the effect of creating trust."</p>

<p>Still, a run by Zemmour — whose hard-line views on immigration, Islam’s place in France and national identity are regarded as being to the right of Le Pen — would immediately inject into the election some of the most explosive issues in an increasingly polarized society.</p>

<p>A longtime journalist for the conservative daily Le Figaro, Zemmour became a bestselling author in the past decade with books that described a France in decline, under threat from what he claimed was an Islam that doesn’t share France’s core values. His celebrity and influence rose to another level after he became the star of CNews in 2019, where, each evening in prime time, he expounded on his ideas to hundreds of thousands of viewers.</p>

<p>He has portrayed himself as a truth-teller in a news media dominated by politically correct, left-leaning journalists. He has railed against the immigration of Muslim Africans, invoking the existential threat of a great replacement — a loaded term that even Le Pen has avoided — that will overwhelm France’s more established white and Christian population.</p>

<p>Over the weekend, Zemmour said that, if he were president, he would ban "non-French" first names like Mohammed and Kevin, because they created obstacles to an assimilation process that used to turn immigrants into what he considered real French people.</p>

<p>These kinds of comments have occasionally drawn the attention of French authorities. In May, the government broadcast regulator fined CNews 200,000 euros, about $236,000, for speech inciting racial hatred. On his show in September 2020, Zemmour had said that unaccompanied foreign minors should be expelled from France, calling them “thieves,” “killers” and “rapists.”</p>

<p>Some presidential candidates from the Republicans dismissed Zemmour’s challenge. Xavier Bertrand, the leader of a region in northern France, said Zemmour was a “great divider.” Valérie Pécresse, the head of the Paris region, said he offered “no genuine proposals.”</p>

<p>Lebourg, said Zemmour’s “ethnic nationalism” was rooted in the ideology of the National Front of the 1990s, the predecessor to the National Rally that was led by Le Pen’s father, Jean-Marie Le Pen. More than any other individual, Zemmour succeeded over the years in imposing his vision on politicians in the traditional right, Lebourg said.</p>

<p>Supporters say that is why Zemmour is the only candidate who can appeal to both the traditional right and far right.</p>

<p>“Éric Zemmour opened the eyes of a certain number of people, including in my political family,” said Antoine Diers, a spokesperson for Friends of Éric Zemmour, a group that is raising funds for a potential presidential bid. Diers is also a member of the Republicans and an official at the city hall of Plessis-Robinson, a suburb south of Paris.</p>

<p>Because of Zemmour’s influence, Diers said, candidates of his party “finally take positions on immigration, on questions of identity and French culture.”</p>

<p>Arno Humbert, another member of Friends of Éric Zemmour, said he left Le Pen’s National Rally in June after more than a decade, disillusioned by her efforts to widen her appeal by toning down her party’s positions in a strategy of “de-demonizing.”</p>

<p>Zemmour was forced off the air Monday after the government regulator ordered a limit on his broadcast time because he could be considered a player in national politics. He and his supporters were quick to cry censorship.</p>

<p>Asked whether the decision would ultimately help him by burnishing his image as a truth teller among his supporters, he said, “Of course.”</p>

<p>“It was a blessing in disguise,” he said.</p>


France’s election season began in force this week, with candidates for the presidency launching their bids or holding campaign-style events. But the person who stole the show was not a candidate, or even a politician, but a right-wing writer and TV star channeling Donald Trump.

France’s election season began in force this week, with candidates for the presidency launching their bids or holding campaign-style events. But the person who stole the show was not a candidate, or even a politician, but a right-wing writer and TV star channeling Donald Trump. Éric Zemmour became one of France’s top TV celebrities through his punditry on CNews, a Fox News-like channel, even as he was sanctioned twice for inciting racial hatred. This week he dominated news media coverage in the kickoff to elections next April. A poll released Wednesday shows him rising among potential voters, beating out declared candidates such as the mayor of Paris. While his share would appear to put the presidency out of reach, he could disrupt the long-anticipated scenario of a duel between President Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen of the far-right National Rally. ALSO READ | Deepening partnership with India: EU steps up engagement in Indo Pacific with new plan In a well-orchestrated blitz that blurred the lines between media and politics, Zemmour, 63, one of France’s bestselling writers, released a new book Thursday titled "France Has Not Said Its Last Word Yet," with a cover showing him standing with arms crossed in front of the French flag. Zemmour said the cover had been modeled after Trump's “Great Again,” the 2015 book that outlined his political agenda before his election victory the following year, and that showed Trump in front of the American flag. The cover, Zemmour said, was not the only way Trump had inspired him. While Zemmour coyly deflected long-standing rumors of a possible candidacy, this month he has sent stronger signals that he may follow Trump in a leap from television to politics. ALSO READ | Australia kept India in loop regarding Aukus at the highest-level "Obviously, there are common points," Zemmour said. “In other words, someone who is completely from outside the party system, who never had a political career and who, furthermore, understood that the major concerns of the working class are immigration and trade.” In France's two-round presidential election, the two top vote-getters in the first round meet in a runoff. Macron has aggressively courted the traditional, more moderate right in a strategy to produce a final showdown with Le Pen, whom he beat in 2017. But the presence of Zemmour, with his appeal across the right side of France’s political spectrum, could upset that calculus. "French politics has become totally unpredictable," said Nicolas Lebourg, a political scientist specializing in the right and far-right. "In this extremely fluid context, things could end with the election of a Republican president after Macron is defeated because Zemmour picks up a few points," Lebourg added, referring to the Republicans, the party of the traditional right. The poll released Wednesday showed 10% of voters supporting Zemmour in the first round of the election, up from 7% a week earlier and 5% in July. He is one of the few candidates registering in the double digits, outscoring some from France’s established parties, including the Socialist mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo. According to a poll published Monday, Zemmour is one of the few candidates to draw support from both the French traditional right and far-right — a point he underscored in the interview, saying that the far-right National Rally "puts off the French bourgeoisie," while the Republicans "have only an extremely aging constituency and don’t connect with the young or the working class." The poll also showed he is strong with the working class, men and young voters. "His straight talk appeals a lot to a generation that has been very disappointed by politicians' lies and that is very mistrustful of the media," said François de Voyer, a host and financial supporter of Black Book, a 7-month-old YouTube channel that has featured long interviews with Zemmour and other personalities, mostly from the right and far right. He said Zemmour gives the impression of "never hiding what he thinks, even if it means making controversial remarks," adding, "I think it has the effect of creating trust." Still, a run by Zemmour — whose hard-line views on immigration, Islam’s place in France and national identity are regarded as being to the right of Le Pen — would immediately inject into the election some of the most explosive issues in an increasingly polarized society. A longtime journalist for the conservative daily Le Figaro, Zemmour became a bestselling author in the past decade with books that described a France in decline, under threat from what he claimed was an Islam that doesn’t share France’s core values. His celebrity and influence rose to another level after he became the star of CNews in 2019, where, each evening in prime time, he expounded on his ideas to hundreds of thousands of viewers. He has portrayed himself as a truth-teller in a news media dominated by politically correct, left-leaning journalists. He has railed against the immigration of Muslim Africans, invoking the existential threat of a great replacement — a loaded term that even Le Pen has avoided — that will overwhelm France’s more established white and Christian population. Over the weekend, Zemmour said that, if he were president, he would ban "non-French" first names like Mohammed and Kevin, because they created obstacles to an assimilation process that used to turn immigrants into what he considered real French people. These kinds of comments have occasionally drawn the attention of French authorities. In May, the government broadcast regulator fined CNews 200,000 euros, about $236,000, for speech inciting racial hatred. On his show in September 2020, Zemmour had said that unaccompanied foreign minors should be expelled from France, calling them “thieves,” “killers” and “rapists.” Some presidential candidates from the Republicans dismissed Zemmour’s challenge. Xavier Bertrand, the leader of a region in northern France, said Zemmour was a “great divider.” Valérie Pécresse, the head of the Paris region, said he offered “no genuine proposals.” Lebourg, said Zemmour’s “ethnic nationalism” was rooted in the ideology of the National Front of the 1990s, the predecessor to the National Rally that was led by Le Pen’s father, Jean-Marie Le Pen. More than any other individual, Zemmour succeeded over the years in imposing his vision on politicians in the traditional right, Lebourg said. Supporters say that is why Zemmour is the only candidate who can appeal to both the traditional right and far right. “Éric Zemmour opened the eyes of a certain number of people, including in my political family,” said Antoine Diers, a spokesperson for Friends of Éric Zemmour, a group that is raising funds for a potential presidential bid. Diers is also a member of the Republicans and an official at the city hall of Plessis-Robinson, a suburb south of Paris. Because of Zemmour’s influence, Diers said, candidates of his party “finally take positions on immigration, on questions of identity and French culture.” Arno Humbert, another member of Friends of Éric Zemmour, said he left Le Pen’s National Rally in June after more than a decade, disillusioned by her efforts to widen her appeal by toning down her party’s positions in a strategy of “de-demonizing.” Zemmour was forced off the air Monday after the government regulator ordered a limit on his broadcast time because he could be considered a player in national politics. He and his supporters were quick to cry censorship. Asked whether the decision would ultimately help him by burnishing his image as a truth teller among his supporters, he said, “Of course.” “It was a blessing in disguise,” he said.

From TV to the French Presidency? A right-wing star is inspired by Trump

<p>The United States and Australia went to extraordinary lengths to keep Paris in the dark as they secretly negotiated a plan to build nuclear submarines, scuttling France’s largest defense contract and so enraging President Emmanuel Macron that on Friday he ordered the withdrawal of France's ambassadors to both nations.</p>

<p>Macron's decision was a stunning and unexpected escalation of the breach between Washington and Paris, on a day that the two countries had planned to celebrate an alliance that goes back to the defeat of Britain in the Revolutionary War.</p>

<p>Yet it was driven by France's realization that two of its closest allies have been negotiating secretly for months. According to interviews with U.S. and British officials, the Australians approached the new administration soon after President Joe Biden's inauguration and said they had concluded that they had to get out of a $60 billion agreement with France to supply them with a dozen attack submarines.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nancy-pelosi-compares-capitol-riot-to-911-attack-us-police-ready-for-justice-for-j6-rally-413951">Nancy Pelosi compares Capitol riot to 9/11 attack; US police ready for 'Justice for J6' rally</a></strong></p>

<p>The conventionally powered French subs, the Australians feared, would be obsolete by the time they were delivered. They expressed interest in seeking a fleet of quieter nuclear-powered submarines based on American and British designs that could patrol areas of the South China Sea with less risk of detection.</p>

<p>But it was unclear how they would terminate the agreement with France, which was already over budget and running behind schedule. "They told us they would take care of dealing with the French," one senior U.S. official said.</p>

<p>The Australians knew they had a receptive audience. Biden, who has made pushing back hard on China's territorial ambitions a central tenet of his national security policy, told aides those French-made submarines would not do. They did not have the ability to range the Pacific and show up unexpectedly off Chinese shores — adding an element of military advantage for the West.</p>

<p>The Australians, by all accounts, never made clear to the French that they were preparing to cancel the deal, which had taken years to negotiate. And in meeting after meeting with their French counterparts — some including Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken — the Americans did not give France a heads-up about their plans to step in with their own designs, the officials said, asking for anonymity to discuss sensitive diplomacy. It was a classic case of diplomatic avoidance.</p>

<p>Biden's top aides finally discussed the issue with the French hours before it was publicly announced at the White House in a virtual meeting with Biden, Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain and Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia.</p>

<p>The result was a blowup that has now led to a vivid breach of trust with one of America's oldest allies.</p>

<p>In the end, Biden's decision was the result of a brutal calculus that nations sometimes make in which one ally is determined to be more strategically vital than another — something national leaders and diplomats never like to admit to in public. And it was a sign that as Biden begins to execute what the Obama administration, 12 years ago, called the "pivot to Asia," there is the risk of stepping on political land mines as old, traditional allies in Europe feel left behind.</p>

<p>"As much as the pivot has been described as pivoting to Asia without pivoting away from someplace else, that is just not possible," Richard Fontaine, CEO of the Center for a New American Security, who has long ties to both the Australian and American players in the deal, said Wednesday. "Military resources are finite. Doing more in one area means doing less in others."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fire-breaks-out-in-building-near-capitol-building-before-far-right-rally-413580">Fire breaks out in building near Capitol building before far-right rally</a></strong></p>

<p>It also apparently means hiding negotiations from some of your closest allies.</p>

<p>By the time the Biden administration began engaging Australia and Britain seriously about its emerging strategy to counter China, a three-year-old contract worth $60 billion or more for a dozen submarines, to be constructed largely by the French, was already teetering, U.S. officials said. The submarines were based on a propulsion technology that was so limited in range, and so easy for the Chinese to detect, that it would be obsolete by the time the first submarines were put in the water, perhaps as long as 15 years from now.</p>

<p>There was an obvious alternative, the kind of nuclear-powered submarines deployed by the Americans and the British. But U.S. and Australian officials agreed that if the French caught wind of the fact that the plug was going to be pulled on one of the biggest defense contracts in their history, they almost certainly would try to sabotage the alternative plan, according to officials who were familiar with the discussions between Washington and Canberra.</p>

<p>So they decided to keep the work to a very small group of officials and made no mention of it to the French, even when Biden and Blinken met their French counterparts in June.</p>

<p>Biden made no mention of the plans during a chummy chat with Macron at a summit meeting in June in Cornwall, where they sat in lawn chairs by the sea and talked about the future of the Atlantic alliance. (Biden, Johnson and Morrison met together the same day, discussed the emerging deal, and in a vague statement which seems more revealing today than it did then, referred to "deepening strategic cooperation between the three governments" to meet a changing defense environment in the Indo-Pacific.) Three days later, Morrison met separately with Macron but left no impression he was rethinking the deal, the French insist.</p>

<p>According to French officials, Blinken also stayed silent June 25 when his French counterpart, Jean-Yves Le Drian, welcomed him back to Paris — where Blinken spent his high school years — and extolled the importance of the French submarine deal.</p>

<p>And as recently as Aug. 30, when the French and Australian defense and foreign ministers held their annual “consultation,” they issued a joint communiqué that said the two countries were committed to deepening cooperation in the defense industry and "underlined the importance of the Future Submarine program."</p>

<p>By that time, the Australians not only knew the program was dead; they had nearly sealed the agreement in principle with Washington and London.</p>

<p>The French ambassador to the United States, Philippe Étienne, said in several interviews that he first heard of the deal in leaked news reports appearing in the Australian media and in Politico. Other French officials said they had been suspicious that something was up a week ago but did not get an immediate response from Blinken or Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. The first U.S. official to discuss the details with Étienne was Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser, a few hours before the public announcement Wednesday.</p>

<p>U.S. officials insist it was not their place to talk to the French about their business deal with Australia. But now, in light of the blowup, some officials say they regret they did not insist that the Australians level with the French about their intentions earlier.</p>

<p>The Chinese government also did not get a heads-up, no surprise since the official U.S. position is that the submarine deal is not aimed at any particular nation. But China’s first response to the new alliance, awkwardly named AUKUS (for Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States), was that it was "extremely irresponsible" and would start an arms race. In fact, the Pentagon’s most recent China report says the Chinese navy has built a dozen nuclear subs, some of which can carry nuclear weapons. Australia has vowed never to deploy nuclear weapons.</p>

<p>Even before Macron recalled the ambassadors, Biden’s aides seemed taken aback by the ferocity of the French response, especially Le Drian’s characterization that it was a "knife in the back." They have suggested the French were being overly dramatic and believe the two countries will gradually return to normal relations. History suggests they may be right: A huge breach prompted by the British and French invasion of the Suez Canal in 1956 was eventually papered over, as was the "Nixon Shock" with the Japanese in 1971, when the United States gave no notice about its decision to come off the gold standard.</p>

<p>In this case, U.S. officials said the decision to toss over the existing French-Australian contract, and replace it with one that would bind Australia technologically and strategically to the nuclear submarine program, generated virtually no internal debate, participants said. The reason was straightforward: In the Biden White House, the imperative to challenge China’s growing footprint, and its efforts to push the U.S. Navy east, to the next island chain in the Pacific, reigns supreme.</p>

<p>"It says a lot about how Washington discerns its interests in the Pacific,"&nbsp;said Fontaine, "that there was no hand-wringing about angering the French."</p>

<p>For years, U.S. officials have known that the turn toward Asia could strain relations with European allies. While former President Barack Obama initially embraced the phrase "the pivot" to describe the American move to the region of the world where its economic and strategic interests are greatest — as a basketball player, he latched on to the sports metaphor — his White House eventually banned the public use of the phrase because of European objections.</p>

<p>That did not stop Kurt M. Campbell, a major architect of the strategy, from publishing a 2016 book about it called "The Pivot: The Future of American Statecraft in Asia," which was advertised as an account of "a necessary course correction for American diplomacy, commercial engagement and military innovations."</p>

<p>Campbell is now the Asia coordinator at the National Security Council, and when the Australians decided they were ready to dump the French deal, he was among the first they contacted.</p>


The United States and Australia went to extraordinary lengths to keep Paris in the dark as they secretly negotiated a plan to build nuclear submarines, scuttling France’s largest defense contract and so enraging President Emmanuel Macron that on Friday he ordered the withdrawal of France's ambassadors to both nations.

The United States and Australia went to extraordinary lengths to keep Paris in the dark as they secretly negotiated a plan to build nuclear submarines, scuttling France’s largest defense contract and so enraging President Emmanuel Macron that on Friday he ordered the withdrawal of France's ambassadors to both nations. Macron's decision was a stunning and unexpected escalation of the breach between Washington and Paris, on a day that the two countries had planned to celebrate an alliance that goes back to the defeat of Britain in the Revolutionary War. Yet it was driven by France's realization that two of its closest allies have been negotiating secretly for months. According to interviews with U.S. and British officials, the Australians approached the new administration soon after President Joe Biden's inauguration and said they had concluded that they had to get out of a $60 billion agreement with France to supply them with a dozen attack submarines. ALSO READ | Nancy Pelosi compares Capitol riot to 9/11 attack; US police ready for 'Justice for J6' rally The conventionally powered French subs, the Australians feared, would be obsolete by the time they were delivered. They expressed interest in seeking a fleet of quieter nuclear-powered submarines based on American and British designs that could patrol areas of the South China Sea with less risk of detection. But it was unclear how they would terminate the agreement with France, which was already over budget and running behind schedule. "They told us they would take care of dealing with the French," one senior U.S. official said. The Australians knew they had a receptive audience. Biden, who has made pushing back hard on China's territorial ambitions a central tenet of his national security policy, told aides those French-made submarines would not do. They did not have the ability to range the Pacific and show up unexpectedly off Chinese shores — adding an element of military advantage for the West. The Australians, by all accounts, never made clear to the French that they were preparing to cancel the deal, which had taken years to negotiate. And in meeting after meeting with their French counterparts — some including Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken — the Americans did not give France a heads-up about their plans to step in with their own designs, the officials said, asking for anonymity to discuss sensitive diplomacy. It was a classic case of diplomatic avoidance. Biden's top aides finally discussed the issue with the French hours before it was publicly announced at the White House in a virtual meeting with Biden, Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain and Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia. The result was a blowup that has now led to a vivid breach of trust with one of America's oldest allies. In the end, Biden's decision was the result of a brutal calculus that nations sometimes make in which one ally is determined to be more strategically vital than another — something national leaders and diplomats never like to admit to in public. And it was a sign that as Biden begins to execute what the Obama administration, 12 years ago, called the "pivot to Asia," there is the risk of stepping on political land mines as old, traditional allies in Europe feel left behind. "As much as the pivot has been described as pivoting to Asia without pivoting away from someplace else, that is just not possible," Richard Fontaine, CEO of the Center for a New American Security, who has long ties to both the Australian and American players in the deal, said Wednesday. "Military resources are finite. Doing more in one area means doing less in others." ALSO READ | Fire breaks out in building near Capitol building before far-right rally It also apparently means hiding negotiations from some of your closest allies. By the time the Biden administration began engaging Australia and Britain seriously about its emerging strategy to counter China, a three-year-old contract worth $60 billion or more for a dozen submarines, to be constructed largely by the French, was already teetering, U.S. officials said. The submarines were based on a propulsion technology that was so limited in range, and so easy for the Chinese to detect, that it would be obsolete by the time the first submarines were put in the water, perhaps as long as 15 years from now. There was an obvious alternative, the kind of nuclear-powered submarines deployed by the Americans and the British. But U.S. and Australian officials agreed that if the French caught wind of the fact that the plug was going to be pulled on one of the biggest defense contracts in their history, they almost certainly would try to sabotage the alternative plan, according to officials who were familiar with the discussions between Washington and Canberra. So they decided to keep the work to a very small group of officials and made no mention of it to the French, even when Biden and Blinken met their French counterparts in June. Biden made no mention of the plans during a chummy chat with Macron at a summit meeting in June in Cornwall, where they sat in lawn chairs by the sea and talked about the future of the Atlantic alliance. (Biden, Johnson and Morrison met together the same day, discussed the emerging deal, and in a vague statement which seems more revealing today than it did then, referred to "deepening strategic cooperation between the three governments" to meet a changing defense environment in the Indo-Pacific.) Three days later, Morrison met separately with Macron but left no impression he was rethinking the deal, the French insist. According to French officials, Blinken also stayed silent June 25 when his French counterpart, Jean-Yves Le Drian, welcomed him back to Paris — where Blinken spent his high school years — and extolled the importance of the French submarine deal. And as recently as Aug. 30, when the French and Australian defense and foreign ministers held their annual “consultation,” they issued a joint communiqué that said the two countries were committed to deepening cooperation in the defense industry and "underlined the importance of the Future Submarine program." By that time, the Australians not only knew the program was dead; they had nearly sealed the agreement in principle with Washington and London. The French ambassador to the United States, Philippe Étienne, said in several interviews that he first heard of the deal in leaked news reports appearing in the Australian media and in Politico. Other French officials said they had been suspicious that something was up a week ago but did not get an immediate response from Blinken or Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. The first U.S. official to discuss the details with Étienne was Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser, a few hours before the public announcement Wednesday. U.S. officials insist it was not their place to talk to the French about their business deal with Australia. But now, in light of the blowup, some officials say they regret they did not insist that the Australians level with the French about their intentions earlier. The Chinese government also did not get a heads-up, no surprise since the official U.S. position is that the submarine deal is not aimed at any particular nation. But China’s first response to the new alliance, awkwardly named AUKUS (for Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States), was that it was "extremely irresponsible" and would start an arms race. In fact, the Pentagon’s most recent China report says the Chinese navy has built a dozen nuclear subs, some of which can carry nuclear weapons. Australia has vowed never to deploy nuclear weapons. Even before Macron recalled the ambassadors, Biden’s aides seemed taken aback by the ferocity of the French response, especially Le Drian’s characterization that it was a "knife in the back." They have suggested the French were being overly dramatic and believe the two countries will gradually return to normal relations. History suggests they may be right: A huge breach prompted by the British and French invasion of the Suez Canal in 1956 was eventually papered over, as was the "Nixon Shock" with the Japanese in 1971, when the United States gave no notice about its decision to come off the gold standard. In this case, U.S. officials said the decision to toss over the existing French-Australian contract, and replace it with one that would bind Australia technologically and strategically to the nuclear submarine program, generated virtually no internal debate, participants said. The reason was straightforward: In the Biden White House, the imperative to challenge China’s growing footprint, and its efforts to push the U.S. Navy east, to the next island chain in the Pacific, reigns supreme. "It says a lot about how Washington discerns its interests in the Pacific," said Fontaine, "that there was no hand-wringing about angering the French." For years, U.S. officials have known that the turn toward Asia could strain relations with European allies. While former President Barack Obama initially embraced the phrase "the pivot" to describe the American move to the region of the world where its economic and strategic interests are greatest — as a basketball player, he latched on to the sports metaphor — his White House eventually banned the public use of the phrase because of European objections. That did not stop Kurt M. Campbell, a major architect of the strategy, from publishing a 2016 book about it called "The Pivot: The Future of American Statecraft in Asia," which was advertised as an account of "a necessary course correction for American diplomacy, commercial engagement and military innovations." Campbell is now the Asia coordinator at the National Security Council, and when the Australians decided they were ready to dump the French deal, he was among the first they contacted.

Hidden agenda behind deal France called a betrayal

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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".</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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".</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-aukus-has-created-a-new-problem-for-the-united-states-413866"><strong>WATCH |</strong></a></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-aukus-has-created-a-new-problem-for-the-united-states-413866/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Meanwhile, Australia and US have been trying to make it up to the angered nation.</p>

<p>Australia said that while it understands France’s anger, the country hopes it will continue working closely with Paris.</p>

<p>Australia said Friday it hoped to keep working closely with France but understood its "disappointment" with the scrapping of a major submarine deal.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>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."</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">[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></p>
— Ned Price (@StateDeptSpox) <a href="https://twitter.com/StateDeptSpox/status/1439027696730845184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>"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."</p>


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

French officials canceled a gala at the country’s Washington DC embassy over the US President Joe Biden administration’s decision to scrap a $40 billion nuclear submarine deal that the European nation had signed with Australia.

News Alert | Reports: France has cancelled the gala in protest

<p>France&nbsp;accused US&nbsp;President Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;on Thursday of stabbing it in the back and acting&nbsp;like&nbsp;his predecessor Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;after Paris was pushed aside from a lucrative&nbsp;defence&nbsp;deal&nbsp;that it had signed with&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;for submarines.</p>

<p>The United States, Britain and&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;said they would establish a security partnership for the Indo-Pacific that will help&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;acquire US&nbsp;nuclear-powered submarines and scrap the $40 billion French-designed submarine&nbsp;deal.</p>

<p>"This brutal, unilateral and unpredictable decision reminds me a lot of what Mr&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;used to do," Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told&nbsp;franceinfo radio. "I am angry and bitter. This isn't done between allies."</p>

<p>In 2016,&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;had selected French shipbuilder Naval Group to build a new submarine fleet worth $40 billion to replace its more than two-decades-old Collins submarines.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-boris-johnson-reshuffles-his-cabinet-dominic-raab-ousted-for-afghan-crisis-413578"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;UK's Boris Johnson reshuffles his cabinet; Dominic Raab ousted for Afghan crisis</strong></a></p>

<p>Two weeks ago, the&nbsp;Australian&nbsp;defence&nbsp;and foreign ministers had reconfirmed the&nbsp;deal&nbsp;to&nbsp;France, and French President Emmanuel Macron lauded decades of future cooperation when hosting&nbsp;Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in June.</p>

<p>"It's a stab in the back. We created a relationship of trust with&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;and that trust has been broken," Le Drian said.</p>

<p>Relations between&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;and Macron soured during&nbsp;Trump's presidency, and diplomats say there have been concerns in recent months that&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;is not being forthright with his European allies.</p>

<p>Washington's actions in&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;are&nbsp;likely to further strain Transatlantic ties. The European Union was due to roll out its Indo-Pacific strategy later on Thursday and Paris is preparing to take on the EU presidency.</p>

<p>"This is a clap of thunder and for many in Paris a Trafalgar moment," Bruno Tertrais, Deputy Director of the Paris-based think tank the Foundation of Strategic Research said on Twitter, referring to a French naval defeat in 1805 that was followed by British naval supremacy.</p>

<p>He said it would "complicate the transatlantic cooperation in and about the region. Beijing will benefit."</p>

<p>Biden&nbsp;said on Wednesday&nbsp;France&nbsp;remained a "key partner in the Indo-Pacific zone."</p>

<p>Morrison said in a statement that&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;looked forward to continuing to work "closely and positively" with&nbsp;France, adding: "France&nbsp;is a key friend and partner to&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;and the Indo-Pacific."</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


France accused US President Joe Biden on Thursday of stabbing it in the back and acting like his predecessor Donald Trump after Paris was pushed aside from a lucrative defence deal that it had signed with Australia for submarines.

France accused US President Joe Biden on Thursday of stabbing it in the back and acting like his predecessor Donald Trump after Paris was pushed aside from a lucrative defence deal that it had signed with Australia for submarines. The United States, Britain and Australia said they would establish a security partnership for the Indo-Pacific that will help Australia acquire US nuclear-powered submarines and scrap the $40 billion French-designed submarine deal. "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." In 2016, Australia had selected French shipbuilder Naval Group to build a new submarine fleet worth $40 billion to replace its more than two-decades-old Collins submarines. Also read | UK's Boris Johnson reshuffles his cabinet; Dominic Raab ousted for Afghan crisis Two weeks ago, the Australian defence and foreign ministers had reconfirmed the deal to France, and French President Emmanuel Macron lauded decades of future cooperation when hosting Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in June. "It's a stab in the back. We created a relationship of trust with Australia and that trust has been broken," Le Drian said. Relations between Trump and Macron soured during Trump's presidency, and diplomats say there have been concerns in recent months that Biden is not being forthright with his European allies. Washington's actions in Australia are likely to further strain Transatlantic ties. The European Union was due to roll out its Indo-Pacific strategy later on Thursday and Paris is preparing to take on the EU presidency. "This is a clap of thunder and for many in Paris a Trafalgar moment," Bruno Tertrais, Deputy Director of the Paris-based think tank the Foundation of Strategic Research said on Twitter, referring to a French naval defeat in 1805 that was followed by British naval supremacy. He said it would "complicate the transatlantic cooperation in and about the region. Beijing will benefit." Biden said on Wednesday France remained a "key partner in the Indo-Pacific zone." Morrison said in a statement that Australia looked forward to continuing to work "closely and positively" with France, adding: "France is a key friend and partner to Australia and the Indo-Pacific."

France says Biden acted like Trump to sink Australia defence deal

<p>French forces killed head of Islamic State in greater Sahara, France President Emmanuel Macron tweeted on Thursday. The terrorist was wanted for deadly attacks on US soldiers and foreign aid workers.</p>

<p>Macron said in his tweet that Adnan Abu Walid al-Sahrawi was "neutralised by French forces"</p>

<p>"This is another major success in our fight against terrorist groups in the Sahel," Macron said, without giving the location or details of the operation.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="fr">Adnan Abou Walid al Sahraoui, chef du groupe terroriste État islamique au Grand Sahara a été neutralisé par les forces françaises. Il s’agit d’un nouveau succès majeur dans le combat que nous menons contre les groupes terroristes au Sahel.</p>
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1438272942786351116?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sahrawi was behind killing of French aid workers in 2020. He was also wanted by the United States over deadly 2017 attack on US troops in Niger.</p>

<p>Islamic State in the Greater Sahara is blamed for most of the jihadist attacks in the Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso region.</p>

<p>The flashpoint "tri-border" area is frequently targeted by ISGS and the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM).</p>

<p>ISGS has carried out deadly attacks targeting civilians and soldiers in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.</p>

<p>The United States had offered a $5 million reward for information on the whereabouts of Sahrawi, who was wanted over an October 4, 2017 attack in Niger that killed four US Special Forces and four Niger troops.</p>


French forces killed head of Islamic State in greater Sahara, France President Emmanuel Macron tweeted on Thursday. The terrorist was wanted for deadly attacks on US soldiers and foreign aid workers.

French forces killed head of Islamic State in greater Sahara, France President Emmanuel Macron tweeted on Thursday. The terrorist was wanted for deadly attacks on US soldiers and foreign aid workers. Macron said in his tweet that Adnan Abu Walid al-Sahrawi was "neutralised by French forces" "This is another major success in our fight against terrorist groups in the Sahel," Macron said, without giving the location or details of the operation. Adnan Abou Walid al Sahraoui, chef du groupe terroriste État islamique au Grand Sahara a été neutralisé par les forces françaises. Il s’agit d’un nouveau succès majeur dans le combat que nous menons contre les groupes terroristes au Sahel. — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) September 15, 2021 × Sahrawi was behind killing of French aid workers in 2020. He was also wanted by the United States over deadly 2017 attack on US troops in Niger. Islamic State in the Greater Sahara is blamed for most of the jihadist attacks in the Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso region. The flashpoint "tri-border" area is frequently targeted by ISGS and the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM). ISGS has carried out deadly attacks targeting civilians and soldiers in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. The United States had offered a $5 million reward for information on the whereabouts of Sahrawi, who was wanted over an October 4, 2017 attack in Niger that killed four US Special Forces and four Niger troops.

French forces kill Islamic State leader in Greater Sahara

<p>Euro 2020 finalists England pushed world champions France out of the top three in world soccer body FIFA's latest men's soccer rankings published on Thursday.</p>

<p>Belgium remained the top ranked side, followed by Brazil. European champions Italy, on a record unbeaten international run of 37 matches, are fifth with Argentina sixth.</p>

<p>Third place equals England's highest ranking in 2012. Gareth Southgate's side lost on penalties to Italy in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley in July and were World Cup semi-finalists in Russia in 2018.</p>

<p>France went out of Euro 2020 in the round of 16.</p>

<p>In the women's rankings, Sweden moved up to second behind world champions the United States with Germany dropping to third.</p>

<p>England, under new management with Sarina Wiegman replacing Phil Neville, are eighth -- their lowest since 2010.</p>


Euro 2020 finalists England pushed world champions France out of the top three in world soccer body FIFA's latest men's soccer rankings published on Thursday. Belgium remained the top ranked side, followed by Brazil.

Euro 2020 finalists England pushed world champions France out of the top three in world soccer body FIFA's latest men's soccer rankings published on Thursday. Belgium remained the top ranked side, followed by Brazil. European champions Italy, on a record unbeaten international run of 37 matches, are fifth with Argentina sixth. Third place equals England's highest ranking in 2012. Gareth Southgate's side lost on penalties to Italy in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley in July and were World Cup semi-finalists in Russia in 2018. France went out of Euro 2020 in the round of 16. In the women's rankings, Sweden moved up to second behind world champions the United States with Germany dropping to third. England, under new management with Sarina Wiegman replacing Phil Neville, are eighth -- their lowest since 2010.

England push France out of top three in FIFA men's rankings

<p>French astronaut Thomas Pesquet is known for posting mesmerising pics on his Instagram account. The astronaut, who is at International Space Station (ISS) has again&nbsp;posted an intriguing entry on Instagram. Pesquet often posts photos of Earth from the ISS. Many of his posts have shown beauty of the outer space. But this time, he has chosen to take a few snaps of the very vehicle that has enabled him to take pics that are literally out of this world.</p>

<p>Pesquet has focussed his lens on ISS service module's solar panels, the mighty wings that sustain it by receiving solar energy. In the pics, not only the solar panels are shining in all their glory but are resplendent in bluish hue that is likely a reflection of our blue planet.</p>

<p>Pesquet has posted two images. In one, collection of thousands of panels is seen with Earth in the background. But Pesquet has also zoomed in and has let the camera lens unravel the intriguing beauty of individual panels. The panels retain the blue hue and the picture seems as if a wing of a butterfly has been magnified to absorb the intricate beauty.</p>

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<p>Pesquet's pics have gone viral as they do always. The 'like's are likely to hit 50 thousand mark. The comments are pouring in as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thomas Pesquet was sent to International Space Station in November 2016 for a six month mission. For his current mission, he was sent to the ISS aboard SpaceX Crew Dragon.</p>


French astronaut Thomas Pesquet is known for posting mesmerising pics on his Instagram account. The astronaut, who is at International Space Station (ISS) has again posted an intriguing entry on Instagram.

French astronaut Thomas Pesquet is known for posting mesmerising pics on his Instagram account. The astronaut, who is at International Space Station (ISS) has again posted an intriguing entry on Instagram. Pesquet often posts photos of Earth from the ISS. Many of his posts have shown beauty of the outer space. But this time, he has chosen to take a few snaps of the very vehicle that has enabled him to take pics that are literally out of this world. Pesquet has focussed his lens on ISS service module's solar panels, the mighty wings that sustain it by receiving solar energy. In the pics, not only the solar panels are shining in all their glory but are resplendent in bluish hue that is likely a reflection of our blue planet. Pesquet has posted two images. In one, collection of thousands of panels is seen with Earth in the background. But Pesquet has also zoomed in and has let the camera lens unravel the intriguing beauty of individual panels. The panels retain the blue hue and the picture seems as if a wing of a butterfly has been magnified to absorb the intricate beauty. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Thomas Pesquet (@thom_astro) × Pesquet's pics have gone viral as they do always. The 'like's are likely to hit 50 thousand mark. The comments are pouring in as well. Thomas Pesquet was sent to International Space Station in November 2016 for a six month mission. For his current mission, he was sent to the ISS aboard SpaceX Crew Dragon.

French astronaut posts intriguing pics of ISS

<p>France&nbsp;on Sunday confirmed that&nbsp;Greece&nbsp;had agreed to buy&nbsp;six&nbsp;more&nbsp;of its&nbsp;Rafale&nbsp;jets, bringing to 24 the number of French&nbsp;fighters&nbsp;sold to Athens for billions of euros.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/people-in-madrid-protest-against-rise-in-homophobic-attacks-412579"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;People in Madrid protest against rise in homophobic attacks</strong></a></p>

<p>"Excellent news:&nbsp;Greece&nbsp;has just announced its intention to acquire&nbsp;six&nbsp;additional Rafales. Together, we are working to build true European autonomy," French&nbsp;Defence&nbsp;Minister Florence Parly tweeted.</p>


France on Sunday confirmed that Greece had agreed to buy six more of its Rafale jets, bringing to 24 the number of French fighters sold to Athens for billions of euros.

France on Sunday confirmed that Greece had agreed to buy six more of its Rafale jets, bringing to 24 the number of French fighters sold to Athens for billions of euros. Also read | People in Madrid protest against rise in homophobic attacks "Excellent news: Greece has just announced its intention to acquire six additional Rafales. Together, we are working to build true European autonomy," French Defence Minister Florence Parly tweeted.

France confirms deal with Greece for six more Rafale fighters: Defence ministry

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