French President Emmanuel Macron calls on middle powers to unite and resist the US and China. This is reported by Bloomberg, writes UNN.
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Macron emphasized this during his tour of Asian countries this week, where he discussed maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and closer cooperation with South Korea and Japan.
Our goal is not to be vassals of two hegemonic powers. We do not want to depend on the dominance of, say, China, or we do not want to be too vulnerable to the unpredictability of the United States.
According to him, European countries have a common agenda with states such as Japan and South Korea on issues of international law, democracy, climate change, and global health.
He also listed other countries with similar positions: Australia, Brazil, Canada, and India. Together, he said, this coalition could work on artificial intelligence, space, energy, nuclear energy, defense, security — "anything."
Macron's calls came as US President Donald Trump also renewed criticism of NATO and other allies, particularly criticizing France and South Korea for insufficient assistance in Iran.
Trump criticized France for not allowing US planes to fly over its territory, calling the country "VERY UNCOOPERATIVE" and adding on social media: "The US will remember!!!" Macron has repeatedly stated that France was not consulted about the war and is not a party to it.
"The US is a great country," Macron said, but risks opening "Pandora's box" with its current approach.
I do not believe that we will solve the situation only by bombing or military operations.
The French leader recalled Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan: "We never achieve results."
Instead, Macron called for a "de-escalation mechanism with Iran" and proposed a mission to escort ships in the Strait of Hormuz after the bombings ended.
The conflict in the Middle East has halted commercial shipping in the strait, through which about a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas exports usually pass.
Trump weakens NATO and undermines trust in the Alliance - Macron02.04.26, 17:47