In a major shift in the geopolitical order, French President Emmanuel Macron lamented the EU’s collaborative conclusion to follow an agenda promoted by the West, particularly the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and rising China-Taiwan tensions .
Macron’s critical remarks came hours after he left Chinese airspace following his crucial meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping.
EU countries should refrain from interfering in other’s affairs
Speaking to German-owned political newspaper Politico, Macron stressed on reducing Europe’s dependence on the United States. In addition, he also appealed to the EU states to refrain from getting involved in the rising tensions between Beijing and Taipei.
During the interview, he again brought up his longstanding ambition of turning Europe into a “strategic autocracy”, which should be led by France. He claimed that Europe could become a “third superpower” – possibly bypassing the West and China.
“The paradox will be that overcome by panic we believe that we are only followers of America,” Macron told German media.
“gets caught up in troubles that are not Europe’s”
According to Macron, the “great risk” Europe faces is that it “gets caught up in crises that do not belong to Europe”. He claimed this as the main reason why Europe had not yet become a strategic autonomy.
“Europeans need to answer this question… Is it in our interests to escalate the crisis on Taiwan? No. Worse would be to think that we Europeans should become followers on this subject and follow the US agenda. And take your cue from the Chinese overreaction.” said the French President.
According to the report, during the meeting, President Xi also supported Macron’s concept of strategic autonomy, but did not rule out China’s aspirations to overtake the US.
Macron’s statement could be a major geopolitical change
It is worth noting that the major geopolitical shift did not come after the Russia-Ukraine war or the China-Taiwan conflict, but after Australia backed out of a crucial arms deal under the influence of US President Macron like a “wounded fiance”. were working Joe Biden and then British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Later, Australia entered into an agreement with the US and the UK–AUKUS– in which Canberra would receive nuclear submarines from both. At that time, Macron had said, ‘America and Britain backstabbed France’.
Later, when Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale war against its neighbor Ukraine, Macron initially displayed reluctance to impose sanctions on Moscow—a trend initiated by the US.
However, he was forced to impose sanctions against Moscow, with the consent of almost all EU members.
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