Vietnams Vietjet Orders 20 More Airbus Planes Macron Visits Hanoi 2025 05 26
ReutersMAY 29
Macron Signs Multiple Deals in Southeast Asia Tour
Above: French President Emmanuel Macron (C) speaks with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during their visit to the Lau Pa Sat hawker centre in Singapore on May 29, 2025. Image copyright: JEANNE ACCORSINI/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-government narrative
Macron’s Southeast Asia strategy is a smart and timely move. By deepening ties with key regional partners and promoting a “third way” in global politics, France offers a balanced, cooperative alternative to the U.S.-China rivalry. With key interests in the Indo-Pacific, France is right to invest in regional security, governance, and economic ties in order to safeguard global stability.
Opposition narrative
Macron’s trip is merely a scramble to hedge Europe’s fragility. Behind talk of cooperation lies a rush to secure supply chains and economic relevance in a region Europe has never controlled and never will. Despite the pleasantries, Europe's global reputation will continue to stagnate, and this trip will likely mostly be remembered for Macron's wife shoving him in the face.