French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Vietnam on Sunday for the first leg of a tour of Southeast Asia, where he will pitch his country as a reliable alternative partner to the United States and China.During his six-day trip – which includes stops in Indonesia and Singapore – Macron will underscore his respect for the sovereignty of Asian countries “caught between the United States and China”, a presidential aide said during a pre-tour briefing.The French president is expected to meet Vietnam’s top leadership on Monday in the capital Hanoi and key energy sector players on Tuesday.Macron is hoping to showcase France’s expertise in civil nuclear power in Vietnam and Indonesia, which are keen to embrace this form of energy, although other countries including Russia are also in the running for deals.“The major challenges of the century … can only be met in cooperation with our partners,” Macron wrote on social media after landing in Hanoi.“I’ve come here to strengthen our ties in key areas: defence, innovation, energy transition and cultural exchanges. Everywhere I go, I’ll be saying one simple thing: France is a power of peace and balance,” he said.“It is a reliable partner that believes in dialogue and cooperation. When some choose to withdraw, France chooses to build bridges.”
Macron’s visit to Vietnam marks a significant step in his diplomatic efforts to position France as a key player in the region. By emphasizing the importance of cooperation and dialogue, Macron aims to establish France as a reliable partner for countries navigating the complex geopolitical landscape between the United States and China. With a focus on strengthening ties in areas such as defence, innovation, and energy transition, Macron’s visit underscores France’s commitment to promoting peace and balance in the region. Through meetings with Vietnam’s top leadership and key energy sector players, Macron hopes to showcase France’s expertise in civil nuclear power and explore potential partnerships in this critical sector.
As Macron continues his tour of Southeast Asia with stops in Indonesia and Singapore, the spotlight remains on France’s role as a strategic partner in the region. With a clear message of building bridges and fostering cooperation, Macron seeks to position France as a reliable alternative to major global players like the United States and China. By highlighting France’s commitment to dialogue and partnership, Macron’s visit sends a strong signal of support to countries seeking to navigate the challenges of the 21st century. As he engages with leaders and industry players, Macron’s focus on key areas such as energy transition and cultural exchanges underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing complex global issues. The outcome of Macron’s tour is eagerly awaited by observers keen to see how France’s diplomatic efforts will shape the future of the region.
