SYDNEY—Australia on Sept. 19 defended its decision to ditch a multibillion-dollar order for French submarines and opt instead for an alternative deal with the United States and Britain, saying it had flagged its concerns to Paris months ago. Canberra’s move has triggered an unprecedented diplomatic crisis that analysts say could do lasting damage to U.S. alliances with France and Europe. It also has riled China, the major rising power in the Indo–Pacific region. A French government spokesman said on Sept. 19 that President Emmanuel Macron would have a call with U.S. President Joe Biden “in the next few days.” Paris has recalled its envoys to Washington and Canberra for consultations. “I don’t regret the decision to put Australia’s national interest first,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said. Morrison said he understands France’s disappointment over the cancellation of the order—valued at $40 billion in 2016 and reckoned to cost much more today—but …
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