The core message was that Europe and Asia share similar challenges: they face common threats from revisionist powers that reject international law and use coercion. He presented the two theatres as closely interrelated. The Ukraine war has global stakes \u2013 it tests the world order, sovereignty, and non-proliferation, with direct implications for Asia through growing Russia-China-North Korea ties.<\/p>\n
Seizing the strategic moment<\/p>\n
To resist the \u201csphere of coercions\u201d carried out by illiberal hegemonic powers, Macron called for a coalition of independence, grounding his appeal to strategic autonomy in both Asian history and strategic culture, and a Gaullist legacy. He invoked the memory of the 1955 Bandung Conference and General Charles de Gaulle\u2019s 1966 Phnom Penh speech that positioned France as a partner for countries striving to avoid alignment with major blocs.<\/p>\n
France\u2019s careful balancing act \u2013 at times criticised for its ambiguity \u2013 is largely welcomed in the region. Macron combines frank criticism of China with a commitment to dialogue. In May, China\u2019s Defence Minister Dong Jun met his French counterpart in Paris, even as Dong\u2019s absence from the Shangri-La Dialogue drew widespread attention.<\/p>\n
However, this attempt to propose a \u201cthird way\u201d between rival blocs should come with a reality-check. The waning influence of Europe<\/a> in Asia is clear, suffering from perceptions of double-standards, institutional complexities and wavering commitment to the region.<\/p>\n Macron hammered the theme that restoring credibility requires rejecting double standards in addressing the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, and applying international norms consistently across crises. France\u2019s joint initiative with Saudi Arabia to host a conference in New York on 18 June \u2013 aimed at reviving momentum for recognising a Palestinian State \u2013 was endorsed and praised by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.<\/p>\n Southeast Asia, home to growing defence budgets and investments, has become a springboard for French arms exports.<\/p>\n While US Secretary of Defence Hegseth\u2019s remarks <\/a>at Shangri-La emphasised the need to restore the credibility of deterrence, Macron, in contrast, stressed the importance of rebuilding European influence in the region through a \u201cpositive alliance.\u201d<\/p>\n Seizing economic moment<\/p>\n This outreach also reflects a recognition that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations is vital to Europe\u2019s \u2013 and France\u2019s \u2013 economic and security future. The organisation encompasses strategic maritime routes crucial for global trade and provides resources essential for Europe\u2019s green and digital transitions. At the Indo-Pacific level, Macron called for a trade agreement between the European Union and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to help shape global standards for trade, labour, and the environment.<\/p>\n A Dassault Rafale fighter jet (Yasuyoshi Chiba\/AFP via Getty Images)<\/p>\n For France, following the setback after Australia cancelled a major submarine deal in favour of nuclear-powered boats under the \u201cAUKUS\u201d pacts in 2021, Southeast Asia, home to growing defence budgets and investments, has become a springboard for arms exports. Several major contracts have been signed with Indonesia \u2013 notably the purchase of 42 Dassault Rafale fighter jets in 2022 and two Scorp\u00e8ne-class submarines. More deals are expected following Macron\u2019s invitation to Prabowo to attend Bastille Day celebrations. Beyond arms sales, the two countries are expanding cooperation in education, infrastructure, and cultural exchanges \u2013 building long-term bonds of trust.<\/p>\n In Vietnam, France has expanded its footprint through several infrastructure and energy projects. A notable agreement includes the sale of 20 Airbus A330-900 aircraft to VietJet, collaboration on renewable energy projects, as well as the potential revival of Vietnam’s nuclear energy program. France and Singapore also announced new collaboration<\/a> on AI and quantum computing.<\/p>\n Gaps in vision<\/p>\n Despite the strong rhetorical alignment on offering a third way, Macron\u2019s vision still lacks operational clarity. While the French President stressed the need for European-Asian cooperation, he offered little detail into what France\u2019s updated Indo-Pacific strategy, set to be released in the coming weeks, will actually encompass. Nor did he explain how France intends to maintain its efforts in the region amid an ongoing war in Europe and with the United States retreating.<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/GettyImages-2162672491.jpg\")
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