Macron stresses a unified position in Europe on the Taiwan dispute

French president Emmanuel Macron He confirmed the united position of France and Europe after the uproar over his remarks on the Taiwan dispute. And Macron said on Wednesday evening in Amsterdam that both of them are interested in the status quo and a peaceful solution to the issue, and the position is firm. It is about protecting Europe’s unity towards China and ensuring a unified approach by the EU.

“Being an ally does not mean being a follower,” Macron said. The president stressed that France “has the right to think for ourselves.”

However, France does not support any provocations regarding Taiwan and stands for clarity and respect. Before his visit to China, he discussed the matter with the US President Joe Biden exchange.

On the return flight from China, Macron said in an interview: “The worst thing is to think that we Europeans should be followers of this issue and adapt to the American rhythm and the Chinese overreaction.” Accordingly, it would be a trap for the Europeans to fall into the trap of external crises at a time when their strategic position is being clarified. Then Europe threatens to be a vassal between the United States and China, although one of them could be a third pole.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte Macron agreed in his call for more strategic supremacy from Europe. “Europe should not be a field, it should be a player,” Rutte said in Amsterdam on Wednesday. Europe must become less dependent on China, among other things, when it comes to raw materials and high-quality technology. Europe must also have a clear geopolitical voice, particularly on Europe’s green and digital goals. But at the same time, Rutte emphasized that this was not a weakness of the alliance with the United States. Europe is a reliable and strong ally of the United States. “The transatlantic link is essential.”