Macron: Europe Shouldn't Become 'America's Followers'
On Sunday, French Pres. Emmanuel Macron said Europe needs to seek 'strategic autonomy,' avoid getting entangled in 'crises that are not ours,' and reduce its dependency on the US....
Facts
- On Sunday, French Pres. Emmanuel Macron said Europe needs to seek 'strategic autonomy,' avoid getting entangled in 'crises that are not ours,' and reduce its dependency on the US.1
- Warning against following the US into a conflict with China over Taiwan, Macron — returning to France following the three-day state visit to China — said: 'The paradox would be that, overcome with panic, we believe we are just America's followers.'2
- Macron added Europe must also reduce its dependence on the United States for nuclear and renewable energy, defense, and the US dollar.3
- Stressing that an escalation on Taiwan was not in the EU's interest, Macron said that the bloc should avoid becoming 'vassals' and instead function as a 'third pole' in geopolitics alongside the US and China.4
- Macron's remarks prompted a host of criticism, including from Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) who said the EU must clarify 'pretty quickly' whether Macron's statements reflected all of Europe or France alone and if 'they're not going to pick sides between the US and China over Taiwan.'2
- After Macron's visit, China conducted three days of military exercises around Taiwan — reportedly prompted by backlash over its Pres. Tsai Ing-wen's visit to the US last week.5
Sources: 1Politico, 2The sydney morning herald, 3Reuters, 4Dw.com and 5The telegraph.
Narratives
- Pro-China narrative, as provided by Global times. China and France have a significant history of supporting free trade, multilateralism, and responsible global governance. In an increasingly volatile global environment, putting aside differences and not following America's hostile stance on China can only benefit both France and China in the long term.
- Anti-China narrative, as provided by Taiwan news. France's pandering to China does not benefit Europe. China is an anti-democratic force and must not be allowed to subvert international order in Taiwan as Russia did in Ukraine. Macron's comments are misguided and naive.
