**France’s Macron Warns of “Double Standards” if US and Europe Don’t Resolve Ukraine, Gaza Wars**
In a stern warning to the United States and Europe, French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that his countries risk losing credibility worldwide if they fail to resolve the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza soon. Speaking at the Shangri-la Dialogue, an annual high-level Asia defence summit in Singapore, Macron also called on Asian nations to form a new alliance with Europe to prevent them from becoming “collateral damage” in the power struggle between the US and China.
Macron’s comments were directed at both Russia’s actions in Ukraine and Israel’s response in Gaza. He emphasized that if Russia is allowed to take Ukrainian territory without any constraints, it could lead to instability in other regions, such as Taiwan or the Philippines. The French leader stressed that Europe’s credibility is on the line in Ukraine, saying “no double standards” should be applied.
**Macron Appeals for New Alliance with Asia**
In his speech, Macron also appealed to Asian countries to form a new alliance with Europe, ensuring they are not caught in the middle of the US-China power struggle. He noted that if the US and Europeans fail to resolve the Ukrainian situation, their credibility would be severely damaged, making it harder to address other crises in Asia.
Macron’s vision for this new alliance is based on “strategic autonomy,” where countries protect their interests while working together to uphold a rules-based global order not dominated by superpowers. He used France as an example of being friends with both the US and China while maintaining its own sovereignty.
**China and Taiwan Tensions**
The French leader’s comments on Taiwan were seen as a direct reference to the ongoing tensions between Beijing and Taipei. Many in Asia are concerned about the potential for instability in the region if China attempts to forcibly “reunify” with Taiwan. Macron also referenced China’s increasing clashes with the Philippines over competing claims in the South China Sea.
**Europe’s Role in Asia**
Macron was asked by the BBC’s security correspondent Frank Gardner about Europe’s military role in Asia while a full-scale war is still raging on the continent. The French leader responded that if both the US and Europeans fail to resolve the Ukrainian situation, their credibility would be very low, making it difficult for them to address other crises in Asia.
**US Pressure on Ukraine**
Macron also noted that the US has put increasing pressure on Russia and Ukraine’s leaders to end the war. US President Donald Trump has given Vladimir Putin a two-week deadline, while Trump has also criticized Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky for not being “ready for peace.”
**Gaza Conflict**
Macron also addressed the ongoing Gaza conflict, stating that the West risks losing credibility if it does not work towards a ceasefire and mutual recognition of a Palestinian state. He acknowledged there was a perception that the West has given Israel a “free pass” in its response to the crisis.
In recent weeks, European leaders have criticized Israel’s attacks for exacerbating the situation in Gaza. Macron’s comments were seen as a call on the US and Europe to adjust their diplomacy towards Russia and find a solution to the conflict in Ukraine.
**Reaction from Experts**
Mathieu Duchatel, director of international studies at the Paris-based think tank Institut Montaigne, said Macron’s comments implied criticism of the US’s Middle East policy and a direct call on the US to adjust its diplomacy towards Russia. Dr Duchatel also noted that Macron’s speech was likely to anger China.
Andrew Small, senior fellow of the Asia-Pacific programme of Washington-based think tank GMF, agreed that some parts of Asia would welcome Macron’s message on strategic autonomy given their anxieties about choosing between the US and China.
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