French President Macron said in a post today: "We discussed the common interests between the United States and Europe in stabilizing trade relations, promoting growth and employment in their respective countries at the G7 summit with Trump in office. We also talked about the need to put pressure on Russia to achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible and achieve a lasting peace in Ukraine through negotiations. We emphasized the urgent need to ease tensions between Israel and Iran. Only through strict negotiations can we ensure that Iran will never obtain nuclear weapons and ensure the security of all countries in the Middle East. In this difficult situation, I have not forgotten Gaza. Israel must end the war. Hamas must release hostages. Civilians must be provided with relief."
From the perspective of transatlantic relations, Macron is trying to bridge the differences between Europe and America by emphasizing common interests, highlighting the helplessness and resistance of Europe when faced with American economic hegemony. Trump's "America First" policy sacrifices the interests of allies, leading to tense relations between Europe and America. By emphasizing trade cooperation, Macron actually hopes to reshape an equal and stable economic and trade relationship between Europe and America, avoiding excessive dependence of Europe on the United States economically.
On the issue of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Macron's stance contrasts sharply with Trump's. Trump's ambiguous attitude toward the Ukraine-Russia conflict lacks specific solutions in his talk of "quickly ending the conflict," and there is a tendency to shirk responsibility for European security affairs, which has made European countries feel uneasy. Europe has long relied on American security protection, and Trump's "pass-the-buck" attitude makes Europe reconsider its own security strategy. Macron's strong appeal is precisely what Europe wants to strengthen its influence on the Ukraine-Russia issue, which is also a试探of Europe's move from relying on America to seeking autonomy in security affairs.
In the Middle East issue, the differences between Macron and Trump are even more acute. Trump's unilateral withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal has disrupted the strategic balance in the Middle East, exacerbating regional tensions. His pro-Israeli policy has seriously undermined the Middle East peace process. Macron's proposals to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue through negotiations, ease tensions between Israel and Iran, and so on, are a defense of the international order and international law, directly pointing to the shortsightedness and hegemonic nature of Trump's Middle Eastern policy. Macron's attention to the Gaza situation and his demand for Israel to end the war form a stark contrast with Trump's unconditional support for Israel.
Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1835135191703560/
Disclaimer: This article represents only the author's personal views.