French President, Emmanuel Macron has called for a de-escalation of the crisis over Taiwan and urged Europe to pursue an independent strategy, separate from both the US and China, Reuters reported.
In an interview with French newspaper Les Echos and Politico during his recent state visit to China, Macron emphasized that Europe should not become followers and should instead build its position as a third pole between China and the US.
Politico quoted Macron as saying, “The worst thing would be to think that we Europeans must become followers on this topic and adapt to the American rhythm or a Chinese overreaction.”
Macron’s comments come as China began drills around Taiwan in response to President Tsai Ing-wen’s meeting with the speaker of the US House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy.
China considers democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan’s government strongly objects to China’s claims.
Macron, who just returned from a three-day state visit to China, called for Europe to better fund its defense industry, develop nuclear and renewable energy, and reduce dependence on the US dollar to limit its reliance on the United States.
During his visit to China, Macron met with President Xi Jinping, and the two leaders had a “dense and frank” discussion on the issue of Taiwan.
Macron’s adviser told reporters in Guangzhou that the French president’s feeling was that Europe should be careful to prevent any accidental escalation of tensions that could lead to China going on the offensive.
Macron traveled to China with a 50-strong business delegation, which included Airbus and nuclear energy producer EDF, and signed deals during the visit.
With the crisis over Taiwan showing no signs of abating, Macron’s comments are likely to be closely watched by policymakers in Europe and beyond.
