France builds EU support in sub row, but some warn against US rift

Clement Beaune (L) said the row was 'a European issue' not simply a French one

SOUNDBITE On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, the European Union's diplomatic chief Josep Borrell says EU ministers "expressed a clear solidarity towards France" after Australia last week canceled a multi-billion-dollar contract for French submarines, instead opting for US nuclear-powered ones as part of a new three-way alliance with Washington and London.

European allies rallied cautiously around France on Tuesday after the US and Australian decision to strip Paris of a submarine supply contract, but some warned the dispute should not torpedo trade talks.

A furious France has accused the United States, Australia and Britain of working behind its back to negotiate the AUKUS defence pact and replace Canberra's multi-billion-dollar order of French submarines with a US contract.