SYDNEY—Australia on Sept. 19 defended its decision to ditch a multibillion-dollar order for French submarines and opt instead for an alternative deal with the United States and Britain, saying it had flagged its concerns to Paris months ago.
Canberra’s move has triggered an unprecedented diplomatic crisis that analysts say could do lasting damage to U.S. alliances with France and Europe. It also has riled China, the major rising power in the Indo–Pacific region.
