"We regret that they have taken this step, we will continue to be engaged in the coming days to resolve our differences, as we have done at other points over the course of our long alliance," a White House official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The official spoke after President Emmanuel Macron ordered the recall of France's ambassadors from both Washington and Australia.

France is furious at Australia's decision to break a contract for purchasing French conventional submarines and instead enter into a new alliance with Britain and the United States to build nuclear powered submarines.

President Joe Biden said the plan is part of a longterm strategy to ensure security in the Indo-Pacific region, where China poses a growing threat to US influence and leadership in the policing of international sea lanes.

France's foreign minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, said Paris had been blindsided by the "unacceptable behavior among allies and partners."

But the White House official said "we have been in close touch with our French partners."

"France is our oldest ally and one of our strongest partners, and we share a long history, democratic values, and a commitment to working together to address global challenges."

"We also share an interest in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific. We will continue our close cooperation with NATO, the EU, and other partners on this common endeavor," the official said.