🧵 on AUS-FRA relations.

"It is difficult to see how acting alone… Beijing can possibly reconcile the disparity between its lofty global ambitions and the… challenges that will inevitably pull its resources inwards." Henry Storey on China as an alliance power at The Interpreter. https://t.co/ftmBUpYH7G

Lowy Institute experts explore the tradeoffs and costs of Australia's unprecedented 18-month international border closure. Read more at 'Beyond Fortress Australia': https://t.co/PK1ShEZdl5 https://t.co/i4WdLlvE7Q

My comments for ⁦⁦@BenDohertyCorro⁩ in ⁦@guardian⁩. “The French have long memories” but “France has to be careful though not to overplay its hand. Their anger is legitimate but mustn’t be allowed to take control.” Spoken like a true Belgian. https://t.co/n3NPGQ6kcF

@ashleytownshend The disagreement can perhaps be summarised as: are we buying goods or paying a membership fee? I think the latter, and it implies rules, responsibilities and obligations.

French position on AUKUS may be the first sign of post-Brexit politics spilling over into the Indo-Pacific. Quad members have done well to steer clear of fraught cross-channel relations by investing in partnerships w/ UK & France. But France unlikely to find much Quad support now

AUDIO: Dr Julia Kim @GNHCenterBhutan tells @AlexandreDayant how Gross National Happiness became Bhutan's measure of its national prosperity. Listen here to the latest episode of Lowy Institute Conversations: https://t.co/XK4zTXWLl8 https://t.co/NFqOlCIOwp

"AUKUS provides a strong structure for boosting its members' collective efforts to integrate their capabilities and balance Chinese power," @Ben_G_Scott writes in @canberratimes. But he says they also need to form larger groups with different objectives. https://t.co/TQhOSXxF9Z

Hard to see, once AUS decided to acquire sensitive nuclear propulsion technology, how the French could have remained involved. It was manner in which this was done, the lack of consultation, that’s truly damaging. Laid bare tensions between minilateralism and broader coalitions. https://t.co/XWDRfPourC

France has to be careful though not to overplay its hand. Their anger is legitimate and understandable but mustn’t be allowed to take control. Not clear Macron speaks for all Europe, given silence from other EU capitals & French legacy of being a European lone wolf in the region.