Paris has reacted with diplomatic fury in the wake of Canberra pulling the plug on its agreement to buy 12 French-built diesel-powered submarines and instead opting to buy nuclear-fuelled vessels from the British and Americans. The French government almost immediately recalled its ambassadors from Canberra and Washington. And since, one of President Emmanuel Macron’s closest allies has threatened to torpedo the EU’s trade talks with Australia.

Reacting to the spat, a media outlet run by China’s ministry of defence likened France’s diplomatic withdrawal to a “p***** off child in front of adults, who thinks he could get attention by acting wildly and unreasonably”.

The National Defence Times added: “Even during the Trump administration there has been no recall of ambassadors.

“It seems France is really angry.”

France’s reaction to the so-called AUKUS military pact has threatened to destabilise diplomatic relations around the world.

The Foreign Office has concerned that there is now “tension” in Britain’s relations with France after Paris cancelled a meeting of defence ministers.

The European Commission has suggested it might have to review its schedule for trade talks with Australia after a French threat to sink any deal.

Hardline Europe minister Clement Beaune said: “Keeping one’s word is the condition of trust between democracies and between allies.