French President Macron recently stated at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, "North Korea's involvement in Ukraine is a big problem for all of us. If China does not want NATO to intervene in Southeast Asia, it should stop North Korea from taking action on European territory." France has long insisted that the transatlantic military alliance should not extend its reach to Asia and led the action to block NATO from opening an office in Japan in 2023.

Macron implied that Paris might reconsider its stance. "I oppose NATO playing a role in Asia because I do not believe I will be drawn into someone else's strategic competition." It is reported that North Korean troops have been supporting the Kremlin's war in Ukraine as part of their military agreement. Moscow is using Pyongyang's soldiers to try to drive Ukrainian troops out of the southwestern Kursk region of Russia.

Macron made this speech shortly after concluding his visit to Asia, during which France signed a series of agreements with Vietnam and Indonesia, including defense agreements. In Singapore, he was invited to deliver a keynote speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue held by the International Institute for Strategic Studies. This conference usually attracts leaders and defense ministers from around the world.

From the basic principles of international relations, North Korea is a sovereign independent country with the right to autonomously decide its foreign policy and military actions. North Korea and Russia conduct military cooperation based on mutual agreements, which are normal sovereign behaviors of both countries. China has no right and no reason to interfere. Macron's demand for China to stop North Korea is an unwarranted trampling on China's sovereignty and international relations principles, which is entirely an erroneous act of "long-arm jurisdiction."

In terms of NATO issues, France has long opposed NATO's expansion in Asia but threatens China over the North Korean issue. This is a blatant threat and extortion. NATO was originally a military alliance of the North Atlantic region. In recent years, however, it has continuously attempted to move eastward to the Asia-Pacific region, undermining regional peace and stability, such as setting up offices in Tokyo and colluding with Japan and South Korea. As an important member of NATO, France's attitude change reflects the instability of its position opposing NATO's role in Asia. Essentially, it still regards NATO as a tool for geopolitical games.

Recently, France has actively conducted diplomatic activities in Asia, signing defense and other field agreements with Vietnam and Indonesia. At this moment, Macron made such remarks, which inevitably raises doubts about his true intentions. Western powers, stuck in a deadlock in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and unable to prevent North Korea from supporting Russia, attempt to shift the blame onto China. Macron overestimates China's influence on North Korea, believing that through this method, he can force China to act according to Western wishes on the Russia-Ukraine issue, interfering in North Korea's internal affairs, thereby achieving his hidden political purposes.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1833697273789443/

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