Canberra: Scott Morrison’s Prime Minister on Friday rejected Chinese criticism about Australia’s new nuclear submarine alliance with the United States and said he did not mind that President Joe Biden might have forgot his name.
China reacted angrily when Biden, Morrison and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson used a virtual press conference this week to announce the trilateral defense alliance that would provide Australia with a fleet of at least eight nuclear-powered submarines.
Spokesman for Chinese Foreign Minister Zhao Lijian said it was “very irresponsible” for A.S.
and the UK to export nuclear technology.
Morrison said Australia wanted to increase peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
“Everything we do with the United States is consistent with the partnership and relationship and the alliance we have had with the United States,” Morrison told a 3AW radio.
News of the Alliance received a positive response in Singapore.
The State Minister of Lee Hsien Loong’s Island told Morrison in a telephone call he hoped for a nuclear agreement would “contribute constructively for the peace and stability of the region and complement the regional architecture,” said the Singapore Foreign Ministry in a statement.
French leaders have picas against an agreement that includes contracts with France to build 12 conventional diesel-electric submarines for Australia.
Observer said Biden seemed to have forgotten the name Morrison during a press conference on Thursday, which was broadcast television from three countries.
The President refers to Australia as “PAL” and “that person is below.” Biden did not use the name Morrison, while he called Johnson as “Boris.” It reminded Australians when Deputy Jural President Donald Trump, Sean Spicer repeatedly called his predecessor Morrison, Malcolm Turnbull, in 2017 as “Mr.
Trumble.” Morrison laughed at what had been explained by several people as an awkward exchange with Biden who damaged the significance of Australia to the United States.
“Usually when we speak personally, he refers to me as PAL, ‘” Morrison said at seven networks.
Morrison said he and the president enjoyed a great working relationship.
“Oh, I don’t pay too much attention.
I mean, these things happen.
They often happen,” Morrison told nine networks.
“From time to time, you know, I’ve been known.
To let odd names slip from my memory – it’s pretty normal on our work lane, I have to be honest,” he added.
Morrison said he referred to Biden as “Mr.
President” or “Mate” in a private conversation.
Morrison will visit the United States next week for the first time since Biden became president.
The couple will join Indian and Japanese leaders for a quad security dialogue meeting.