LIDIA KELLY and JOHN MAIR AUSTRALIA has defended its decision to ditch a multi-billion-dollar order for French submarines and opt instead for an alternative deal with the United States and Britain, saying it had flagged its concerns to Paris months ago. Canberra's move enraged Paris, triggering an unprecedented diplomatic crisis that analysts say could do lasting damage to U.S. alliances with France and Europe. It has also riled China, the major rising power in the Indo-Pacific region. The United States has sought to assuage the anger in France, a NATO ally, and the French government spokesman said on Sunday that…