Barnaby Joyce says Australia proved its commitment to France during world wars amid Aukus dispute

Acting prime minister says he understands France's disappointment over submarine deal but Australia has nothing to prove

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Acting prime minister Barnaby Joyce said Australia did not have to prove its affinity" and affection" for the French, because tens of thousands of Australians died on French soil" during both world wars.

The French government's anger at the announcement of the strategic partnership between Australia, the US and the UK, known as Aukus, and the subsequent cancellation of the French-Australian $90bn submarine deal, has shown no signs of abating, with the French ambassador saying the nation felt it had been fooled".