In Submarine Deal With Australia, U.S. Counters China but Enrages France

September 18, 2021

In announcing the deal on Wednesday, Mr. Biden said it was meant to reinforce alliances and update them as strategic priorities shift. © Doug Mills/The New York Times Mr. Macron and Mr. Biden sharing a handshake during the Group of 7 summit in Britain this year. His comparison of Mr. Biden to Mr. Trump appeared certain to be taken in the White House as a serious insult. In his comments on Wednesday, Mr. Biden called France a key ally with an important presence in the Indo-Pacific. Mr. Johnson has sought to portray himself as loyal partner to Mr. Biden on issues like China and climate change.