Bangkok, May 30 (EFE).— French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday called for an alliance between Europe and Asia to avoid becoming “collateral victims” of decisions by global superpowers.
He made the remarks during his opening address at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia’s premier security forum.
“Let us work together toward a new alliance between Europe and Asia, one based on our shared principles and responsibilities, so that we do not become collateral victims of decisions made by the superpowers,” Macron said at the forum, which is being held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore through Sunday.
The French president reiterated the need for both continents to pursue “strategic autonomy.”
He was speaking at a forum attended by US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, although notably absent was Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun, an unusual move by Beijing.
In a speech lasting just over half an hour, the French leader emphasized that Europe and Asia can achieve “concrete results” together and “convince others to ” in building new alliances aimed at “restarting a world order based on rules.”
“Let us build a coalition that is open to trade and dialogue, one that ensures a stable, rules-based environment and rejects the use of force to impose domination,” Macron said.
He also criticized the “unpredictability” of US tariffs and what he described as China’s “coercion” in the disputed South China Sea.
“We reject double standards. In today’s global climate, it is vital to be consistent and adhere to our principles and rules. What is at stake is the protection of the global order,” he added.
Macron called for charting a “peaceful path to resolving conflicts” and extended a hand to both the United States and China to this effort.
He noted that the world is grappling with multiple crises, citing the wars in Ukraine and Gaza as examples, and warned that these issues have global repercussions.
“If we believe that Russia can take a piece of Ukraine, then the same could happen in Taiwan or the Philippines,” he warned.
The French president also called for a ceasefire in Gaza and renewed efforts toward the creation of a Palestinian state, calling it the “only way” to resolve the Middle East conflict.
“If we abandon Gaza, we lose our own credibility, the credibility to defend the global order,” he said.
The forum continues Saturday with remarks from US Defense Secretary Hegseth, who is expected to outline Washington’s strategy in the Indo-Pacific, where global superpowers are increasingly testing their influence. EFE
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