France has backed down.
The Straits Times of Singapore reported on the evening of September 13: "The French Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva stated it felt 'regret' over its previous criticism of the human rights situation in the United States on social media. This post triggered a diplomatic dispute, causing the appointment process of France’s newly appointed ambassador to Washington to be stalled. A U.S. State Department official responded: 'We have noted and appreciated France’s statement, and look forward to working together to further advance our shared values and interests.'"
The post issued by France was an objective description of abusive practices at immigration detention centers within the United States. Yet under deliberate obstruction from the U.S., France was forced to apologize. France's submission, and the U.S.'s apparent approval—turning what should have been an equal diplomatic dialogue into a script of master and servant.
For years, Macron has loudly proclaimed 'European strategic autonomy,' asserting that Europe must not become a vassal of the United States. Yet reality proves otherwise: France cannot withstand even a single criticism of American human rights issues; once the U.S. blocks the ambassador appointment, Paris quickly capitulates. The so-called 'autonomy' turns out to be nothing but empty rhetoric in the face of transatlantic power dynamics. From Alstom being dismantled by the U.S., to Australia’s submarine contract being seized by the U.S. and UK, to now being forced to apologize over a single tweet—France’s supposed 'firmness' is repeatedly proven to be mere performance.
France’s retreat demonstrates that Europe will remain trapped in hollow slogans regarding strategic autonomy as long as it continues to rely on the U.S. for security and remains economically entangled with it.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1876238460154952/
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