French President Emmanuel Macron once again emphasized France’s independence in the discussion about Taiwan policy. “Being an ally does not mean being a vassal,” Macron said in Amsterdam on Wednesday, referring to the United States. France has “the right to think for ourselves,” stressed the President.
A few days ago, after a state visit to China, Macron warned that Europe would become a “follower” on the Taiwan question. “The worst thing would be to think that we Europeans are followers and have to adapt to the American rhythm and a Chinese overreaction,” said the head of state in an interview with “Politico” and “Les Echos”.
These comments had sparked sharp criticism in Western countries. Former US President Donald Trump accused Macron in his vulgar way of wanting to “kick the Chinese ass”. Chinese state media, on the other hand, praised the French president.
France’s position remains unchanged
Being allied does not mean following the hardliners in the allied country, Macron said, referring to the Republicans in the US. With his comment, Trump only wanted to further escalate, he said. France’s position on the Taiwan issue has not changed.
When China began its military exercises around Taiwan, a French frigate was also in the region. This also shows how important this region is for France, according to diplomatic circles.
Meanwhile, Chinese leader Xi Jinping called on the army to step up training for “actual combat operations.” The People’s Liberation Army of China must “resolutely defend territorial sovereignty and maritime interests and maintain stability in the outskirts,” Xi told marines, according to a report by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.
Between Saturday and Monday, the Chinese army practiced encircling Taiwan and attacking “key targets” in a major maneuver. Taiwan still saw warships off its coasts on Tuesday.
The maneuver came in response to a meeting between Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-Wen and US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy that had incensed China. Tsai met with the United States’ third highest official during a visit to the United States.
The federal government expressed concern about the growing tensions around Taiwan. A foreign ministry spokeswoman said shortly before a trip to China by department head Annalena Baerbock (Greens) that the federal government had the impression that “military threatening gestures” “run counter to” the goal of stability and peace in the region. Baerbock wants to make the maneuvers a topic on her trip.
Since the political split between mainland China and Taiwan in 1949, Beijing has viewed the island as a breakaway territory that it wants to reunite with the mainland – if necessary using military force.
Taiwan, meanwhile, appealed to France not to back down from its support for Taipei. “Taiwan needs France,” said Taiwan’s official representative in Paris, Wu Chihchung. Every country has a role to play in preventing war with China. (AFP)
