French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the need for a strengthened coalition between Europe and Asia to address the escalating tensions between the United States and China. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue defense forum in Singapore, Macron called upon Indo-Pacific leaders to unite and establish a "new coalition" aimed at countering the challenges and side effects brought about by the intensifying rivalry.
Macron noted that while France maintains its alliances and cooperative relationships with both the U.S. and China, it pursues its interests independently amidst geopolitical shifts. He identified the growing divide between the two superpowers as the most significant global risk.
The French president's remarks coincided with his regional tour through Vietnam and Indonesia, where he bolstered defense partnerships. In Jakarta, Macron and Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto signed a preliminary defense agreement potentially involving sales of French military equipment, such as Rafale fighter jets and Scorpene submarines. Additionally, France and Vietnam finalized agreements on defense cooperation and commercial deals totaling over $10 billion.
Highlighting shared concerns, Macron pointed out that both ASEAN and Europe face challenges from an unpredictable trade environment and erosion of the rule-based order, affecting economic stability and defense funding.
Macron subtly criticized Beijing’s assertive actions in disputed territories, questioning the international response to territorial aggression and linking this to concerns over Taiwan and the South China Sea. He referred to Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a precedent raising questions about potential scenarios should similar actions occur in the Indo-Pacific region.
China’s increasing military activities around Taiwan and claims over the South China Sea remain focal points of regional tension. Despite a 2016 international ruling against China’s maritime claims, Beijing continues asserting control over these areas, including standoffs with the Philippines. China's Defense Minister did not attend this year’s forum, with a lower-level delegation present instead.
Macron’s speech underscored the urgency of cooperative efforts between Europe and Asia to safeguard the international order and mitigate risks posed by global power contests.
