France Urges Neutrality in Asia Amid U.S.-China Rivalry

French Ambassador to Singapore Stephen Marchisio emphasized that France and Europe do not want Asian partners to choose sides between the U.S. and China. Speaking at a luncheon in Singapore, Marchisio highlighted growing pressure, particularly from the U.S., for Asian countries to take sides. He stressed France’s stance on maintaining open dialogue with all parties.

Marchisio's remarks come ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron's keynote speech at Asia's largest security summit on May 31, where Macron will advocate for regional states to protect their own interests independently, regardless of political differences with China or U.S. military presence.

The U.S. embassy in Singapore referred to a G7 statement signed in Munich, reaffirming the commitment to a "free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific region."

Marchisio also urged European unity, suggesting that Europe might reconsider purchasing U.S. weapons after critical remarks from U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance at a recent Munich security conference. He noted that past defense deals aimed at securing U.S. favor may no longer be effective, especially in light of Vance’s confrontational stance.

The ambassador warned that Europe might retaliate with tariffs if pressured by the U.S., though he expressed hope for continued collaboration given shared transatlantic interests.

Singapore's Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, also at the Munich conference, noted a shifting perception of the U.S. in Asia, describing its image as evolving from a liberator to a disruptor and now a landlord seeking rent.

Marchisio's statements underline France's push for diplomatic balance in Asia and a call for European solidarity amidst changing global dynamics, making these developments crucial for stakeholders in international relations, trade, and defense.