Macron urges world to unite against US dominance
Photo: French President Emmanuel Macron (Getty Images)
French President Emmanuel Macron is calling on the world’s nations to unite and not be dependent on either the US or China, according to Bloomberg.
Not to be vassals: What Macron said
Speaking to students at Yonsei University in Seoul, the French President clearly outlined France’s international policy.
"Our objective is not to be the vassals of two hegemonic powers. We don’t want to depend on the dominance, let’s say on China, or we don’t want to be too much exposed to the unpredictability of the US".
According to Macron, Europe shares common interests with Japan, South Korea, Australia, Brazil, Canada, and India. Together, these countries could collaborate on artificial intelligence, space, energy, nuclear safety, and defense.
What was discussed in Asia
During his tour, Macron discussed two key issues:
- Maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic route through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas exports typically pass. Following the conflict with Iran, the strait has effectively been closed to commercial shipping.
- Closer cooperation with South Korea and Japan, two countries significantly affected by rising energy prices.
Macron proposed a concrete solution: to escort ships through the strait once the bombing stops and to establish a “mechanism for resolving the conflict with Iran.”
Why is this happening now?
Macron has long been promoting the idea of Europe’s strategic autonomy. As far back as 2023, he stated that the EU should not become a vassal of the US. At the time, these words outraged American allies.
But now the situation has changed: the U.S. is increasingly ignoring international institutions, so France’s position is viewed differently.
Trump’s complaints against France and other allies
At the same time, US President Donald Trump has stepped up pressure on his partners. He publicly criticized France for not allowing American military aircraft to fly over its territory.
In response, Macron pointed out that no one had consulted France regarding the Iranian conflict and that France is not participating in it.
"The US is a great country," he said, but with its current approach, it risks opening "Pandora’s box."
The French President also mentioned the failures of past military campaigns. "I don’t believe that we will fix the situation just by bombing or by military operations Macron states", Macron states.
He cited examples: Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan. "We never deliver," he says.
Recently, Trump also harshly mocked Macron and his relationship with his wife. In particular, he said that Macron was allegedly still recovering from a punch to the jaw from his wife, Brigitte Macron.
