President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the necessity for the US and Europe to tackle the wars in Ukraine and Gaza promptly to avoid being seen as hypocritical. He urged Asian nations to collaborate with Europe to avoid being collateral damage in ongoing global power struggles. His remarks underscored the interconnectedness of international conflicts and called for a new alliance that respects territorial integrity and promotes stability.
Macron Urges Urgent Action on Ukraine and Gaza Conflicts to Maintain Western Credibility
Macron Urges Urgent Action on Ukraine and Gaza Conflicts to Maintain Western Credibility
In a high-level address at the Shangri-la Dialogue, French President Emmanuel Macron warns that the West risks losing credibility unless swift resolutions to the Ukraine and Gaza conflicts are achieved.
Macron was speaking at the Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore, where he cautioned that failure to address the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza could lead to accusations of "double standards" against the US and European nations. His speech aimed to rally Asian countries to forge a new alliance with Europe to prevent them from becoming "collateral damage" amid the escalating rivalry between the US and China.
Highlighting the precarious situation in Ukraine, Macron asserted that allowing Russia to seize territory unchecked could have dire implications for Taiwan, questioning what actions would be taken should a crisis arise in the Philippines. He stressed, "What is at stake in Ukraine is our common credibility," asserting that the credibility of Western powers in dealing with international crises could diminish if they fail to resolve ongoing conflicts.
In response to a query about Europe's military involvement in Asia while the war in Ukraine continues, Macron emphasized that the inability of the US and Europe to stabilize the Ukrainian situation would undermine their credibility in the Asia-Pacific region. He alluded to the pressure exerted by US President Donald Trump on both Russia and Ukraine while criticizing the perception that the West has granted Israel a "free pass" in the Gaza situation. Macron called for immediate action towards a ceasefire and mutual recognition of a Palestinian state, arguing that inconsistency would further harm Western credibility globally.
Adding to the discussions around strategic interests, Macron outlined his vision for "strategic autonomy," arguing for independent actions that uphold a rules-based global order, free from the dominance of any superpower. He posited that France could maintain good relations with both the US and China while safeguarding its sovereignty, setting a precedent for European-Asian collaboration.
Expressing concerns over North Korea's involvement alongside Russia, Macron reiterated the necessity of addressing regional security dynamics in Asia. His candid remarks on Taiwan and the importance of a cohesive Western response prompted nuanced reactions, with analysts interpreting his commentary as a critique of US policies in the Middle East and a call for diplomatic adjustments regarding Russia.
Experts noted that Macron's call for recognizing a Palestinian state aligns with France's leadership among European countries advocating for a resolution in the Middle East. His message resonated with some Asian nations, who are wary of being caught in the geopolitical crossfire of US-China tensions, as they seek to cultivate a more balanced approach to global order.
