French President Emmanuel Macron identified the divide between the United States and China as the most significant risk facing the world currently. Speaking at a major defense forum in Singapore, Macron stressed the importance of forging new alliances, particularly between France, the European Union, and countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
Amid rising uncertainties caused by U.S. tariff policies under President Donald Trump, France and the European Union are intensifying efforts to strengthen commercial relationships in Asia. Macron emphasized that both Asia and Europe share a vested interest in maintaining the stability of the global order.
Macron remarked, "France remains a steadfast ally of the United States while also cooperating with China, even if there are occasional disagreements and competition." He highlighted that the era of non-alignment is over and urged for coalitions of action among capable countries to address global challenges effectively.
The French president's visit to Southeast Asia follows similar trips by leaders from China, Japan, and other European nations, underscoring the region's strategic significance amidst disruptions to global supply chains and international trade.
