SINGAPORE: French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the risk of division between the US and China during his visit to Singapore, advocating for new coalitions in the Indo-Pacific. He warned China against allowing North Korea to assist Russia in Ukraine, asserting that failure to resolve the Ukraine crisis would diminish the West’s credibility in Asia. Macron also highlighted the need to address global conflicts to maintain stability and prevent further territorial assertiveness from powers like Russia and China.
Macron also warned that if the US and Europe fail to resolve the Ukraine conflict, it would damage their credibility in the Indo-Pacific, suggesting that unchecked aggression could threaten regional stability, particularly regarding Taiwan. He stressed that abandoning regions like Gaza would likewise undermine Western credibility globally. Macron’s remarks reflect a growing recognition of Southeast Asia’s strategic significance amidst shifting global alliances and trade uncertainties.