The French embassy in the United States has announced the cancellation of celebrations to mark the 250th anniversary of the Chesapeake Battle of the US War of Independence, in which the French fleet defeated the British fleet, The New York Times reports
The cancellation of the celebrations was in response to the loss of a multi-billion-dollar submarine contract to Australia, which had struck a similar deal with the United States.
“The cancellation of the celebrations was a direct reflection of the anger French politicians and diplomats feel over the submarine deal”, – the NYT story said.
It is also noted that a high-ranking French naval officer, who had travelled to Washington to attend the celebrations, will leave early for Paris.
Earlier it was reported that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, US President Joe Biden and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a new security partnership, AUKUS. Under the agreement, Australia will forgo cooperation with France and build eight submarines using American and British technology.