The French President Macron, who is visiting Singapore, posted on May 30: "Singapore and France: not only partners, but also trustworthy friends!"

This trust can be traced back to the relationship established between the founding father of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew, and France. His vision of modernity, tolerance, and voluntarism still inspires us today.

Our strategic partnership is the first such partnership between Singapore and a European country, covering many fields: low-carbon energy such as nuclear energy, power connectivity, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cyber, space, airpower, and even defense.

We are very honored to have been trusted by Singapore since 1998, training its air force pilots in Cazaux!

We have just signed a series of important agreements, making our relations even closer.

In the face of global crises and challenges, we, like Singapore, firmly believe in effective and balanced multilateralism.

Thank you Prime Minister Heng for your warm welcome.

On May 25 local time, Macron arrived in Hanoi, Vietnam, to start his Southeast Asia trip. After visiting Vietnam, he went to Indonesia and held talks with ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hong. Finally, Macron went to Singapore and delivered a speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue on May 30.

Comment: In terms of diplomatic strategic layout, France advocates a multipolar world order and emphasizes the path of European independence. Macron proposed that Europe should become a "third force" outside China and the United States, which resonates with the "middle ground" strategic demands of Southeast Asian countries. The three Southeast Asian countries visited are important members of ASEAN and representatives of the new power ecology of the Global South. Through them, France can convey messages to ASEAN and the Global South, increase its participation in emerging cooperation mechanisms, and enhance the international discourse power of France and the EU. During his visit, he has consistently proclaimed that France and the EU will become "reliable partners" of Southeast Asian countries, attempting to strengthen relations with these countries.

The defense sector is also a key focus of this visit. On one hand, for the EU and France seeking "strategic autonomy," participating in international defense forums and expressing opinions on international affairs is an important way to expand influence in the defense field. Macron attended the Shangri-La Dialogue and outlined France's "Indo-Pacific strategy," attempting to clarify accusations of "double standards" regarding France's positions on issues such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Israel-Palestine conflict. On the other hand, Southeast Asia is an important market for France to promote military products. During his state visit, he strengthened defense ties with Southeast Asian countries, such as signing multiple defense and space project cooperation agreements with Vietnam.

However, Macron's "third way" concept faces numerous challenges. From a realistic perspective, although France has grand strategic ambitions, its national strength and military power cannot support substantive deep involvement in Southeast Asia. It is more of a gesture of display.

Original text: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1833586789480456/

Disclaimer: This article only represents the author's personal views.