Speaking at a high-level defense summit in Singapore, French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted the risk of the West losing credibility due to unresolved conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, calling for a new alliance with Asian countries to address these issues effectively.
Macron Urges Credibility in Western Diplomacy Amid Ongoing Global Conflicts
Macron Urges Credibility in Western Diplomacy Amid Ongoing Global Conflicts
At the Shangri-la Dialogue, President Macron emphasizes the need for the West to act decisively on the wars in Ukraine and Gaza to maintain its global standing.
French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a compelling address at the Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore, emphasizing that the West, particularly the US and Europe, risks losing its global credibility if the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza remain unresolved. Macron conveyed concerns that failing to address these wars might result in accusations of double standards from international observers. He urged Asian nations to forge a new alliance with Europe to prevent them from becoming collateral damage in the power struggle between the US and China.
During the summit attended by defense officials, including US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Macron underscored the critical nature of the situation in Ukraine, noting that if Russia could act without constraints, it could set a dangerous precedent for neighboring regions, including Taiwan and the Philippines. He stated, "What is at stake in Ukraine is our common credibility, that we are still able to preserve territorial integrity and sovereignty of people."
With rising tensions in Asia, many nations are apprehensive about potential Chinese aggression towards Taiwan, and Macron’s commentary reflects these anxieties. He criticized the notion of double standards regarding the Gaza conflict, asserting that perceptions of the West granting a "free pass" to Israel could undermine its credibility globally. He called for a commitment to achieving a ceasefire and mutual recognition of a Palestinian state.
Turning his focus to Europe's role in Asia, Macron expressed a desire for "strategic autonomy," where nations prioritize their interests while collaborating to uphold a rules-based international order less dominated by superpowers. He framed France as a model of maintaining friendly relations with both the US and China while asserting its sovereignty, suggesting this could lead to a robust partnership between Europe and Asia.
Macron's speech came amid increasing criticisms from European leaders regarding Israel's military actions in Gaza, which have exacerbated humanitarian crises. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently denounced Macron and other Western leaders for perceived bias against Israel, highlighting the contentious nature of the ongoing conflicts and the difficulties in navigating diplomatic relationships.
Academics and observers noted that Macron’s comments implicitly critiqued US Middle Eastern policy while simultaneously calling for a reassessment of its diplomatic strategies regarding Russia. His remarks on the recognition of a Palestinian state signify a shift, aligning France with European peers advocating for a more balanced approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Overall, Macron's vision for a cooperative and autonomous diplomatic stance resonates with many nations wary of choosing sides amid the US-China rivalry. Stakeholders across Asia welcome the idea of maintaining a semblance of a global order not dictated solely by these superpowers, raising essential questions about the leads that various nations will take as they navigate this increasingly complex international landscape.
