French President Emmanuel Macron has reiterated his stance on the allegiance of France and Europe in the event of a potential conflict in Taiwan. During a recent state visit to Amsterdam, Macron doubled down on his earlier remarks, stating that Europe should remain neutral and rejecting the idea of being grouped with any sides in a war conflict. He declared that being a US ally “does not mean being a vassal” and that Europe should not be forced to side with Beijing or Washington on the Taiwan issue.
Macron’s statements come as a complement to what he expressed during his visit to President Xi in China, affirming his belief in the doctrine of “strategic autonomy” and stating that Europe had no possibility of taking action in Taiwan. Macron explained that any statements on the case would only serve to bring more tensions to the parties involved. At that time, he also rejected the idea of being caught in the turmoil and considered allies of the US. “The paradox would be that, overcome with panic, we believe we are just America’s followers,” he stated.
Macron’s statements have spurred a myriad of reactions, with some praising his international vision and others criticizing his attitude towards China. US Senator Marco Rubio disregarded Macron’s take on the Taiwan issue, declaring that if Europe doesn’t “pick sides between the US and China over Taiwan, then maybe we shouldn’t be picking sides either on Ukraine.” Former US President Donald Trump also gave his take on the issue, being harsh with Macron and stating that while he was a friend, he was “over with China, kissing his ass.” Macron declined to comment on the issue, stating that Trump was part of the escalation that he wanted to avoid.
Macron’s statements are part of a recent chain of events that challenge the hegemony and influence of the US in Europe and the Middle East. On April 4, after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and Russia (OPEC+) announced a series of spontaneous oil production cuts, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman stated he was no longer interested in pleasing the US.
Macron’s stance on the Taiwan issue is in line with his doctrine of “strategic autonomy,” which seeks to establish Europe as a major player on the world stage and reduce its dependence on the US. This policy has been met with both praise and criticism, with some seeing it as a necessary step towards greater European independence and others viewing it as a threat to the transatlantic alliance.
In conclusion, Macron’s recent statements on the Taiwan issue have reinforced his commitment to the doctrine of “strategic autonomy” and his belief that Europe should remain neutral in the event of a potential conflict. While his stance has been met with both praise and criticism, it is clear that he is committed to reducing Europe’s dependence on the US and establishing the continent as a major player on the world stage.
