French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, urged Europe and Asia to form a new coalition to address the escalating geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China. Cautioning against being caught in the middle of this growing conflict, Macron emphasized the need for a united front that could mitigate the adverse effects and constraints caused by the intensifying superpower divide. While reaffirming France’s ties to both the U.S. and China, Macron stressed that France follows its own strategic approach aligned with national interests.
Macron Expands Strategic Ties in Asia Amid Escalating U.S.-China Global Power Rivalry
Macron identified the rift between the U.S. and China as the principal risk to global stability, urging Indo-Pacific nations to resist becoming passive actors in a confrontation shaped by foreign powers. His regional tour, which includes visits to Vietnam and Indonesia, aims to reinforce France’s defense ties with Asian nations.
Macron’s diplomatic outreach underlines Europe’s apprehension over the economic and security repercussions of U.S.-China tensions, especially in the wake of trade wars and Beijing’s geopolitical assertiveness.
Macron Calls for Asia-Europe Coalition to Counter U.S.-China Rivalry and Boost Regional StabilityDuring his visit, Macron secured significant defense and trade agreements. In Indonesia, he signed a preliminary defense pact that may lead to the acquisition of French-made Rafale fighter jets and Scorpene submarines. Similarly, in Vietnam, France entered into deals involving Airbus aircraft and defense-related partnerships worth over $10 billion.
These moves reflect Macron’s effort to increase France’s strategic footprint in the Indo-Pacific and provide regional actors with alternatives to reliance on either Washington or Beijing.
Unpredictable Trade and Rising Tensions Undermine Global Stability and Regional Defense Cooperation
Macron warned that the unpredictability of current global trade policies, particularly those involving tariffs, threatens both economic stability and defense funding capabilities for countries in Asia and Europe. He argued that the erosion of a rule-based trade order could have profound impacts on nations trying to maintain sovereignty and economic independence amid growing global tensions.
In his speech, Macron made indirect criticisms of China’s conduct in contested territories such as the South China Sea and Taiwan. Drawing parallels to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, he questioned the global community’s readiness to respond to similar provocations in Asia.
Macron’s comments highlighted concerns over China’s assertive maritime claims and military posturing, especially in light of the ongoing China-Philippines standoff and Taiwan tensions. Notably, China’s Defense Minister was absent from the forum, with a lower-ranking delegation attending in his place, suggesting a potential diplomatic snub or disengagement from the dialogue.