Earlier, in an unprecedented move, Paris recalled its ambassadors from the United States and Australia for consultations. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian described Canberra's abandoning of its previous commitments to Paris as "stabbing in the back."
"I have heard comments that we had discussions with the US [about submarines] prior to [Australia's] announcement. This is not true," Le Drian told the France 2 broadcaster, regarding Australia's new trilateral pact with London and Washington.
France Did Not Recall Ambassador to UK Because Paris Is Aware of London's 'Constant Opportunism'
"We have recalled our ambassadors [to the US and Australia] in order to reassess the situation. There is no need for that in the UK. We are aware of their constant opportunism. That is why there is no need [for us] to bring back the ambassador for clarification," Le Drian told the broadcaster.
The US, Australia and the UK announced a new trilateral AUKUS defense partnership on Thursday. The new defensive pact saw Canberra renege on a $66 billion contract with France to build 12 state-of-the-art conventionally-powered attack submarines, as the new defensive alliance promises to provide Australia's fleet with nuclear-powered subs.