France to recall ambassadors in US and Australia after AUKUS submarine deal snub

France has recalled its ambassadors to the Unites States and Australia in a backlash over a new security partnership.

The country's foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian made the announcement following the deal between the UK, US and Australia - which aims to help Australia obtain nuclear-powered submarines.

Mr Le Drian said in a statement that the decision, on request from President Emmanuel Macron, "is justified by the exceptional seriousness of the announcements" made by the two countries.

He said the cancellation by Australia of a big contract to buy French conventional submarines in favour of nuclear-powered subs built with US technology is "unacceptable behaviour".

On Thursday, the US said it stands in "unshakeable alliance with Australia" - after China said the new partnership, named AUKUS, "intensifies the arms race".