‘Angry And Bitter’: France Snubs Biden, Cancels Gala Celebrating U.S.-French Relationship

France canceled a gala celebrating French-U.S. relations after the Biden administration cut France out of a defense agreement with Australia, angering French officials.

A gala celebrating the “240th Anniversary of the Battle of the Capes” was set to take place Friday evening at the French embassy in Washington, D.C., and in a French frigate in Baltimore. French officials, furious at the Biden administration for undercutting a 2016 French agreement with Australia, scrapped the events Thursday, according to The New York Times.

On Wednesday, the United States, Britain, and Australia announced a three-way military alliance to help Australia combat Chinese aggression in the region. The U.S. and Britain agreed to support Australia and aid it in building a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. The three countries will also trade information on key technological advancements in areas such as artificial intelligence and long-range strike capabilities.

French officials reacted angrily to the deal, accusing the United States of stabbing it “in the back” for cutting France out of the deal and undermining a 2016 agreement France had negotiated with Australia. In 2016, France agreed to supply Australia with a fleet of diesel-powered submarines. While that deal is now defunct with the new U.S.-U.K.-Australian agreement, French officials have promised a legal battle over the 2016 deal.- READ MORE