Politic

Macron urges Europe and Asia to form an independence coalition against US and China pressure. Ukraine crisis a warning for Asia.

31 May 2025 3 min

French President Emmanuel Macron, during his keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore on May 30, 2025, boldly called for the formation of an “independence coalition” between European and Asian countries. This call was issued as a response to the intensifying global geopolitical pressures, particularly from the two superpowers—the United States and China. Macron stressed the importance of strategic autonomy and warned of the serious risks if countries merely become pawns in the rivalry of the two world giants.

Macron highlighted that the world is currently facing sharp polarization between the US and China. According to him, many countries feel trapped in a major dilemma: forced to choose between two powers, both of which often pursue agendas not always aligned with the interests of other regions.

For Macron, this is a crucial moment for Europe and Asia to champion independence in strategic decision-making. By forming a coalition, countries on both continents can strengthen their bargaining positions and safeguard their interests, while also maintaining the stability and integrity of the global order.

A key point in Macron’s speech was the impact of the Ukraine conflict on the credibility of the West and the international community. He warned that the failure to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict would send a bad signal—especially to China—that such aggression could occur without serious consequences. This, he argued, could increase tensions in East Asia, particularly around Taiwan and the South China Sea.

Macron emphasized that stability in Ukraine is crucial to prevent similar scenarios in Asia. He also urged Asian nations to learn from Europe’s experience and not let global interests be sacrificed at the altar of great power rivalry.

Macron firmly stated that France and the European Union are not instruments of any hegemony. France, he said, is committed to building a world order based on international rules and multilateral cooperation. This is in line with the values of democracy, human rights, and respect for national sovereignty.

He called on Asian nations to boldly build alliances outside of old geopolitical frameworks and to help redefine a more inclusive and independent regional security architecture.

Macron’s speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue drew significant attention from international leaders and analysts. This annual forum is a key barometer of shifting security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific. Many Southeast Asian countries, such as Indonesia and Singapore, are also increasingly strengthening their security diplomacy amid the rising intensity of global competition.

International media such as Reuters, The Times, and WSJ highlighted Macron’s effort to position France as a non-aligned mediator, offering an alternative to traditional blocs. WSJ in particular noted Macron’s warnings about the risk of a fractured world order if US-China rivalry goes unchecked.

Establishing the coalition proposed by Macron clearly requires high-level diplomacy. Beyond overcoming the skepticism of countries still reliant on the US or China, the coalition must offer tangible benefits in areas such as economics, defense, and technology.

However, many analysts believe Macron’s initiative could serve as a key catalyst for a new security architecture in the Indo-Pacific region. Cross-continental collaboration could strengthen regional resilience to global shocks and open the way for more inclusive economic diplomacy.

Macron’s call in Singapore is not just a diplomatic speech, but a clear vision for a more balanced and independent world order. By promoting a Europe-Asia coalition, Macron aims to create a global order not dictated by superpower rivalry, but by the collective strength of countries that value independence, sovereignty, and shared stability.

The next step will be to see how Asian and European countries respond to this call—whether a truly new coalition will emerge, or whether it will remain just rhetoric in the face of major global rivalries.