[Text/Observer Network Wang Yi] On local time June 9, at the Third United Nations Ocean Conference which opened in Nice, French President Macron said bluntly, "The deep sea is not for sale, Greenland is not for sale, and Antarctica is not for sale." Politico Europe pointed out that Macron's remarks were obviously a public criticism of Trump's threat to control these regions.

The total theme of this United Nations Ocean Conference is "Accelerate action and mobilize all actors to protect and sustainably use the ocean". Representatives from various fields such as governments, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and private sectors discussed global ocean governance at this conference. Some of Macron's remarks at the conference seemed to be a subtle response to Trump's comments and views.

"The first answer is multilateralism," said Macron, "the deep sea is not for sale, Greenland is not for sale, and Antarctica is not for sale either."

He said, "The earth is warming, and the ocean is boiling", and countries should establish an "open partnership" in scientific research to protect the ocean.

Macron also stated, "Climate change, like biodiversity, is not a matter of opinion, but a fact proven by science."

On local time June 9, French President Macron delivered a speech at the Third United Nations Ocean Conference. Video screenshot.

Trump has always been skeptical of climate change. Six months ago, under his leadership, the United States withdrew again from the Paris Agreement, which aims to cooperate globally to address climate change.

After returning to the White House, Trump ignored global efforts to regulate deep-sea mining and accelerated exploration in international waters.

The general consensus in the international community is that economic interests should not override environmental risks. Deep-sea mining may damage fisheries and marine food chains, affecting the ocean's key role in absorbing carbon dioxide, and has been widely prohibited.

Macron called for a suspension of deep-sea mining at the United Nations Ocean Conference. He said, "I think it is crazy to initiate predatory economic actions that will destroy the deep-sea floor, destroy biodiversity, and destroy it... Suspending the development of the deep-sea floor is what the international community must do."

In addition to Macron, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also stated at the meeting that countries should negotiate new regulations on deep-sea mining. The world cannot let the deep sea become a lawless western frontier.

Brazilian President Lula also issued a warning, saying that countries should be alert to nations threatening unilateral deep-sea mining, "Now we see the threat of unilateralism looming over the ocean. We cannot allow what happens in international trade to happen in the ocean."

In response to Trump's repeated threats to control Greenland, rich in mineral resources, Macron reiterated his position that the island is not for sale at international forums, and announced that he would visit Greenland on the 15th of this month "to contribute to strengthening European sovereignty."

Macron with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen Visual China

The French presidency announced this news on July 7, stating that Macron will hold talks with Greenlandic Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to discuss North Atlantic and Arctic security, climate change, energy, critical minerals, and other issues.

"France's statement did not mention Trump or the United States, but the intent and symbolic significance of this visit are obvious: Greenland is vast and rich in minerals, and it is not something that can be occupied by a U.S. president on a whim," The New York Times pointed out that Macron's planned visit will be the first visit by a foreign head of state to the island since Trump began making threats to annex Greenland earlier this year.

The report analyzed that Macron has long advocated "European strategic autonomy", and Trump's disdain and contempt for Europe seem to have confirmed his view. This French leader advocates the urgent need for Europe to "rearm" not only militarily but also in terms of a reset that discards the pacifist spirit of the past few decades.

Macron's relationship with Trump was established during Trump's first term. The New York Times analysis pointed out that they often talked on the phone, and their relationship appeared friendly on the surface, but became tense due to their opposing worldviews. Macron is a staunch supporter of the EU, while Trump sees the EU as an anti-American product aimed at "destroying" the United States. Macron is also a strong opponent of the far-right political forces in Europe embraced by Trump. His planned visit to Greenland is likely to further exacerbate the differences between the two.

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

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7514138464113000960/

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