The Facts
On Sunday, French Pres. Emmanuel Macron said Europe needs to seek "strategic autonomy," avoid getting entangled in "crises that are not ours," and reduce its dependency on the US.
Warning against following the US into a conflict with China over Taiwan, Macron — returning to France following the three-day state visit to China — said: "The paradox would be that, overcome with panic, we believe we are just America's followers."
The Spin
Pro-China narrative
China and France have a significant history of supporting free trade, multilateralism, and responsible global governance. In an increasingly volatile global environment, putting aside differences and not following America's hostile stance on China can only benefit both France and China in the long term.
Anti-China narrative
France's pandering to China does not benefit Europe. China is an anti-democratic force and must not be allowed to subvert international order in Taiwan as Russia did in Ukraine. Macron's comments are misguided and naive.
