​On Sept 15, A trilateral security alliance between Australia, UK, and US (AUKUS) was formed; it will share the technology needed for building nuclear-powered submarines for Australia. Canberra ditched its French contract in favor of AUKUS, causing a rift in UN relations. Since France lost its multi-billion deal in that nation, rumors of France leaving NATO had surfaced. The Indo-Pacific region has long been a source of instability between Australia and China, and this partnership’s goal is to ensure collective security between these two powers. The Royal Australian Navy looks forward to this development.

This defense contract has been viewed as provocative in the eyes of Beijing, whose authoritarian leader grows more aggressive in the Pacific Ocean. Australia wants to build more vessels to deter this Chinese threat that is encroaching on their sphere of influence. China and Australia have tense relations stemming from China meddling in Australia’s government and Australia’s demand for a COVID-19 investigation. China has blocked imports from Australia for this reason, leading to worsening trade practices between these two maritime nations. China’s submarine capabilities are limited and Australia’s naval presence would deter Beijing’s increasing assertiveness. This partnership hopes that its militarization of the Pacific will protect the interests of democratic political systems. It is also noteworthy to mention that China is experiencing an electrical crisis and AUKUS may compound tensions.

“A stab in the back” is what the French foreign minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian described AUKUS, as he raged at US foreign policy. Paris has condemned the moves of Washington, London, and Canberra in a series of retaliatory actions. France withdrew its ambassadors from these nations and canceled its gala with the US to commemorate the Battle of Chesapeake Bay. France cannot accept the fact that it is of little relevance on the world arena and cannot pursue its Gaullist policies. France threatened to leave NATO, but this threat was deemed empty after a phone call between US president Joe Biden and French president Emmanuel Macron to smooth this matter over. This minor economic spat has been resolved, as America has offered financial compensation for their action. Diplomatic relations will likely resume, as this rivalry cannot be sustained in the West. Although France’s disappointment is understandable, it should see that this strategic pact is vital to the axis of stability.