[Source/Observer Network, Qi Qian] On the evening of May 30th local time, the 22nd Asian Security Summit (also known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, abbreviated as "Shanghui") opened in Singapore. French President Macron, who is on a visit to Southeast Asia, delivered a keynote speech lasting over 40 minutes.

According to media reports from Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao and Agence France-Presse, Macron stated that against the backdrop of increasing risks of nuclear proliferation and growing tensions between China and the United States, he called for the establishment of a "new alliance" between European and Asian countries to strengthen commercial ties and reset what he described as a new global order based on rules.

Since the inception of the Shangri-La Dialogue in 2002, Macron is the first European head of state to deliver a keynote speech at the opening ceremony.

Macron said that the tariff policies of the Trump administration were unpredictable, ending trade based on rules, which has seriously affected both Asia and Europe, impacting the prosperity and financing capabilities of these two regions, as well as defense. Macron is currently conducting a two-day state visit to Singapore.

"The challenges I just mentioned clearly show that we are in an era where we must face difficulties," Macron said, "We must also realize that Europe and Asia are now closely interconnected and share common destinies."

Macron then stated that Asia and Europe have common interests in preventing the collapse of the global order and cannot take sides between China and the United States.

He pointed out: "I want to make it clear that France is a friend and ally of the United States, as well as a friend of China. We do indeed cooperate with China, even when we disagree or compete." He also warned that taking sides between China and the United States "will stifle the global order and destroy the system established after World War II to maintain peace and cooperate in areas such as health, climate, and human rights."

Macron delivered his speech at the Shanghui on the evening of May 30th. Video screenshot

Following this, Macron called for the establishment of a "new alliance" between European and Asian countries to reset what he described as a new global order based on rules.

According to him, "The era of non-alignment is undoubtedly over," and Asian and European countries should establish a "positive new alliance," as we have a shared responsibility to ensure that our countries are not collateral damage in the competition among superpowers.

In his speech, Macron mentioned the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Gaza conflict, stating that the challenges currently facing Asia and Europe are becoming increasingly similar. He also said that these issues concern the credibility of Western countries. If we fail to maintain the same principles to resolve them and uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and Gaza, we will lose our credibility in the eyes of other countries around the world.

"France 24" reported that in recent weeks, Macron followed the footsteps of leaders from China, Japan, and other European countries visiting Southeast Asia, reflecting the strategic importance of Southeast Asia amid uncertainties in the global supply chain and trade.

According to Lianhe Zaobao, Mathieu Duchatel, director of international studies at the French think tank Institut Montaigne, told reporters in an interview that Macron's concept of a "new alliance" reflects his foreign policy focus on diversified partnerships. At the same time, Macron sent a signal: France can be a favorable partner for Southeast Asian countries to safeguard their sovereignty.

Toby Simon, founder of India's Synergia Foundation, said in an interview that although Macron had some reservations about China and the United States, he also mentioned France's friendship with both, showing particular caution and striving to balance between the two.

Macron visited Singapore. Singapore CNA

It was introduced that this year's Shanghui opened on the evening of May 30th and will continue until June 1st, with more than 550 political figures, defense officials, and experts and scholars from over 40 countries and regions attending. Political figures such as Macron, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar, East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell attended the meeting.

Vice President and Director of Education of the National Defense University of the People's Liberation Army, Hu Gangfeng, led the Chinese delegation to attend the dialogue and will participate in the third special session titled "Maritime Security Cooperation in the Asia-Pacific Region" on May 31st.

On May 29th, Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang stated that China has consistently participated in various constructive dialogue platforms to explain its concepts and initiatives, communicate and exchange views with all parties, build mutual trust, dispel doubts, deepen cooperation, and jointly contribute wisdom to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

This article is an exclusive article by Observer Network and cannot be reprinted without permission.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7510463826765021735/

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