Tensions are mounting once more between Paris and London, as France mobilizes large-scale intensified pressure on the UK over post-Brexit fishing rights, warning bilateral cooperation could be at risk.
The friction has raised renewed fears of the new threat to European interests as well as its unity in addition to its potential to draw in the eastern alliance of Russia and China, particularly at a time when the United States and the United Kingdom are operating three aircraft carriers along with their destroyer escorts nearby in the Philippine Sea.
Lately, France has been pushing the EU to take a stronger stance against the UK over its concerns that Boris Johnson’s government is acting in breach of its obligations over fishing access to Channel waters
Indeed, France administration is angry that the UK granted 12 licenses out of 47 bids for smaller vessels to fish in its territorial waters.
In the same connection, French Prime Minister Jean Castex has claimed the "UK is not respecting its Brexit deal commitments on fishing."
Speaking to media at the national assembly, Castex said: "Britain does not respect its own signature."
"Month after month, the UK presents new conditions and delays giving definitive licenses... this cannot be tolerated."
Also in this regard, the prime minister warned that all bilateral agreements with the UK could be at risk if the European Commission did not take a tougher stance on the UK government.
No details were given, but the two countries have a raft of agreements covering defense, security, and border controls as well as energy and trade, according to international reports.
It's worth mentioning that Australia, the US, and the UK have unveiled a surprise military pact, known as AUKUS that prompted Canberra to rip up a EUR 50 billion submarine deal with Paris. The announcement enraged France, which urged its European neighbors to focus on shoring up their own defensive capabilities in response.
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