French President Emmanuel Macron has called on European and Asian countries to form a new alliance based on shared principles of security, defense, and trade, in an effort to counterbalance the influence of the US and China. Speaking at the Shangri-La security dialogue in Singapore, Macron warned that the current global order is under threat from “revisionist” countries that seek to impose their spheres of influence through coercion.
Macron emphasized the importance of cooperation among allied nations to maintain peace and stability, but also acknowledged that long-standing alliances are being eroded. He praised the US as a friend and ally, but warned against dependence on any single nation’s decisions. The French president also highlighted the need for European countries to take more responsibility for their own security.
The absence of China’s defense minister from this year’s Shangri-La conference has sparked debate among analysts, with some suggesting it may be an opportunity missed by Beijing. However, others argue that China’s decision not to send its top military official is consistent with past practice.
Macron’s comments come as tensions between the US and China continue to escalate, with many military-to-military channels suspended since Trump took office. The French president’s speech has been seen as a call for greater European cooperation in the face of rising global uncertainty.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/30/europe-and-asia-should-form-positive-new-alliance-says-macron-in-singapore