In a major shift in the geopolitical order, France President Emmanuel Macron lamented the collaborative conclusion of the European Union to follow the agendas promoted by the West, especially the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the soaring China-Taiwan tensions.
The critical remarks from Macron came hours after he left Chinese airspace following his crucial meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.
EU states should refrain from interfering in other's matters
While speaking to the German-owned political newspaper Politico, Macron asserted Europe to reduce its dependency on the United States. Besides, he also appealed to the EU states to refrain from getting involved in the soaring tension between Beijing and Taipei.
During the interview, he again put forth his tall aspirations of transforming Europe into a "strategic autonomy", which should be led by France. He claimed Europe could become the "third superpower"-- presumably sidelining the West and China.
“The paradox would be that, overcome with panic, we believe we are just America’s followers,” Macron told the German media.
'"Gets caught up in crises that are not Europe's"
According to Macron, “the great risk” Europe faces is that it “gets caught up in crises that are not Europe's". He claimed this as the main reason why Europe has not become a strategic autonomy yet.
"The question Europeans need to answer … is it in our interest to accelerate a crisis on Taiwan? No. The worse thing would be to think that we Europeans must become followers on this topic and take our cue from the US agenda and a Chinese overreaction,” said the French President.
As per the report, during the meeting, President Xi also endorsed Macron's concept of strategic autonomy but did not sideline China's aspirations to supersede the US.
Macron's statement could be a major geopolitical shift
It is worth mentioning the major geopolitical shift did not come after the Russia-Ukraine war or the China-Taiwan conflict, but Macron had been acting like a "wounded fiance" after Australia backed out from the crucial arms deal in the influence of US President Joe Biden and the then-UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Later, Australia packed a deal with the US and UK called-- AUKUS-- wherein Canberra will get nuclear submarines from the duo. At that time, Macron had said, "US and UK stabbed France from back".
Later, when Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-fledged war against its neighbouring Ukraine, Macron initially exhibited reluctance in imposing sanctions on Moscow-- a trend that had been started by America.
However, with the consensus of nearly all the EU members, he was forced to impose sanctions against Moscow.
Also Read: Chinese, Taiwanese warships in stand-off near Taiwan Strait's as tension flare up
