[Macron's Clichés]
On May 31st, French President Macron stated at the Shangri-La Security Forum in Singapore that it was very alarming that if "Russia were allowed to control part of Ukraine without restriction," then "what would happen to Taiwan?" The Chinese Embassy in Singapore responded that comparing the situations of these two places was unacceptable. "These two issues are of entirely different natures and cannot be equated at all. The Taiwan issue is purely China's internal affair. If anyone attempts to apply double standards to judge double standards, they will ultimately only receive more double standards."
In his speech, Macron called for a new alliance between Europe and Asia to counteract "revisionist great powers" attempting to establish "coercive spheres of influence" in the region (referring implicitly to China and Russia). His trip to Asia aimed to position France as a "reliable strategic option," balancing the influence of the U.S. and China.
Le Monde reported that Macron sought to explain his stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Gaza situation in Asia, positioning Southeast Asia as the "center of Sino-American geopolitical competition." Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Austin also delivered remarks during the same period, stating that China poses a "real threat" in the Indo-Pacific region, echoing Macron's "revisionist great powers" rhetoric.
Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1833683327611020/
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