VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

 After coming under the spotlight for the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, US President Joe Biden is now facing the wrath of France after the declaration of the defense alliance of Australia, UK and the United States, (AUKUS). This alliance also has an impact on the emergence of the European Union's anger, because France, as one of its members, has been disadvantaged regarding the AUKUS agreement which was formed on September 15, 2021.

The tension in Washington-Paris relations was marked by France's decision to cancel a series of meetings with the US on the sidelines of the ongoing UN General Assembly in New York. French President Macron had decided  not be present at the 2021 UN General Assembly. Meanwhile, the French Foreign Minister also confirmed the cancellation of the meeting with US Foreign Minister Anthony Blinken.

What angered France was the AUKUS agreement that supports the procurement of 12 Australian nuclear submarines. As a result, Australia has delayed or canceled a previously agreed contract with France for the procurement of 12 diesel submarines. The decision made the French government feel very offended and financially harmed, so that it took diplomatic steps as a form of anger. France also decided to withdraw its ambassadors from Washington and Canberra.

This deteriorating Franco-United States relationship marked the beginning of the Joe Biden administration. Previously, Biden had come under scrutiny both at home and among European countries for hastening the withdrawal of his troops from Afghanistan. The decline in good relations between the United States and the European Union was also due to Joe Biden's decision to ban the export of Covid-19 vaccines, including to the European Union, whose members require vaccines. The policy of banning the export of vaccines has hurt the longstanding good relations between the United States and Europe.

In the case of the AUKUS agreement supporting Australia to procure 12 nuclear submarines, it is very likely due to Washington's consideration to offset China's maneuvering with its nuclear submarines in the Pacific.

In his speech at the UN General Assembly yesterday (21/9) Joe Biden conveyed various things related to his decisions and policies. Biden did not address the submarine issue in his speech, but defended his decision to leave Afghanistan. He made absolutely no mention of the AUKUS issue and US relations with France or the European Union.

Joe Biden and his administration will certainly try to convince their allies of some policies that appear to be degrading their good relationship. Diplomatic strategies and steps will be needed to improve relations or defuse anger and tension.