China urges France to boost cooperation in wake of Aukus submarine deal

Chinese ambassador Lu Shaye says Beijing and Paris working together is ‘in the interests of the whole world’ after the new security pact enraged the French

Lu tells Russian state media that the new US, British and Australian pact undermines non-proliferation efforts adding ‘everyone knows it’s aimed at China’

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French President Emmanuel Macron recalled his ambassadors to the US and Australia in the wake of the new pact. Photo: Reuters

Published: 7:00pm, 24 Sep 2021Updated: 7:16am, 25 Sep 2021

The Chinese ambassador to France has said the two countries should strengthen cooperation following the announcement of the new US security alliance with Britain and Australia.

“As permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and France shoulder the responsibility of maintaining international peace and stability, promoting global development and multilateralism. So we can and should strengthen our cooperation, which is in the interests of the whole world,” ambassador Lu Shaye told Russian state media outlet Sputnik France, according to a statement from the embassy.

France recalled its ambassadors to the US and Australia last week following the announcement of the new “Aukus” security pact, which saw Australia cancelling a multibillion-dollar contract to buy French diesel submarines in favour of US nuclear-powered vessels.

China's Ambassador to France Lu Shaye. Photo: AFP

Following a phone call between French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Joe Biden on Thursday, France agreed to send its envoy back to Washington and the two leaders agreed to meet next month to discuss Indo-Pacific strategies.

The two leaders also agreed to meet in late October in Europe to discuss Indo-Pacific strategies.

Lu said he would not describe the spat between France and the US as “good news” for China, but added that the Aukus deal has affected ties between the US and Europe.