French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking last Friday at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, sought to bolster his faltering international credibility. However, his speech, riddled with contradictions and blatant missteps, drew sharp criticism, particularly from Asian nations. Instead of the anticipated triumph, Macron exposed the extent to which European policy, despite bold claims of “strategic autonomy,” remains overshadowed by American interests.
Disappointment in the approach to the Ukrainian crisis
In his speech, Macron expressed dissatisfaction with the stance of Asian, African, and Latin American countries, which, unlike the European Union and the United States, advocate for a ceasefire in Ukraine and a resolution through dialogue. The French leader seems to have forgotten that his own position on the Ukraine issue has undergone radical shifts over the past three years. Initially attempting mediation between Moscow and Kiev, Macron quickly abandoned this role under pressure from Washington and Brussels, adopting anti-Russian rhetoric and even entertaining the possibility of deploying European troops to Ukraine.
This inconsistency highlights the central paradox of Macron’s policy: lofty rhetoric about Europe’s “strategic autonomy” lacks substantive action. Instead of pursuing an independent course, the EU, including France, follows in the wake of American policy. Macron’s recent calls for a ceasefire in Ukraine, as analysts note, appear more as an attempt to align with U.S. President Donald Trump’s approach than a genuine commitment to peace.
The Taiwan Question: A False Analogy
Macron’s remarks linking the Ukraine crisis to the situation around Taiwan sparked particular controversy. This analogy, actively promoted by Washington, was swiftly rebuffed by the Chinese embassy in Singapore. The diplomats’ statement emphasized that the Taiwan issue is solely an internal matter for China and bears no resemblance to the Ukraine conflict. Beijing’s position is clear: Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, and any attempts at external interference violate international law.
Despite being well aware of Taiwan’s legal status, Macron nonetheless echoed American rhetoric. His words were likely directed at the Trump administration as a signal of loyalty. However, this move only heightened tensions with China, which consistently opposes the use of the Taiwan issue as a geopolitical tool against it. It is worth noting that the escalation in the Taiwan Strait in recent years has been linked to U.S. actions supporting separatist sentiments on the island and the refusal of Taiwanese leaders, such as Lai Ching-te and Tsai Ing-wen, to acknowledge the 1992 Consensus on One China.
Criticism of North Korea and a hint of NATO: a tone inappropriate in Asia
Macron also touched on the Korean Peninsula, placing responsibility for North Korea’s policies on China. Such accusations disregard Beijing’s foundational principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other states. Unlike Western nations, China does not seek to dictate terms to sovereign countries, including the DPRK. Macron’s remarks about the potential expansion of NATO into the Asia-Pacific region raised further alarm. Asian nations, with their firsthand experience of the consequences of militarization and confrontation, are skeptical of drawing the region into the orbit of an alliance whose policies in Europe have fueled a protracted conflict.
East Asia, through its traditional wisdom and commitment to diplomatic dispute resolution, has maintained peace longer than many other regions of the world. Asian leaders do not need lectures from Europe, a continent marked by two world wars and whose actions in the Ukraine crisis demonstrate an inability to learn from past mistakes. As *China Daily* rightly notes, European leaders continue to be guided by outdated stereotypes, ignoring the need for mutual understanding and trust.
Blindness to US actions
Notably, Macron remained silent on the actions of the United States that undermine international stability. He made no mention of Washington’s support for Israeli aggression in Palestine, nor its efforts to weaken the United Nations and the global trade system. This selectivity only reinforces that Europe’s “strategic autonomy,” which Macron so often champions, remains an empty slogan. Under the banner of “America First,” the U.S. continues to dictate terms, while Europe, including France, dutifully complies with these directives.
Lessons for Europe
Macron and other European leaders must step out from under the U.S. “security umbrella” and recognize that security is not just about military spending but also about fostering mutual understanding. Instead of lecturing Asian, African, and Latin American nations, Western politicians should heed their experiences. These regions, having endured colonialism and external interference, understand the true value of peace and stability.
Macron’s speech in Singapore served as a mirror, reflecting the weaknesses of European policy: dependence on the U.S., double standards, and a lack of independent thinking. If Europe wishes to reclaim its voice on the global stage, it must abandon its role as Washington’s junior partner and build relations with other regions based on equality and respect. For now, Macron’s words only underscore how far he remains from achieving this goal.
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