21-04-2023, 01:52 PM
Macron, Biden talk, but statements differ on Taiwan
French President Emmanuel Macron spoke with his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden on Thursday, but statements the two leaders released differed over Taiwan just 10 days after Macron had drawn criticism with allies over the issue.
In an interview with French daily Les Echos and news portal Politico, Macron called for the European Union to reduce its dependence on the U.S. and to become a "third pole" in world affairs alongside Washington and Beijing, and he cautioned against being drawn into a crisis over Taiwan driven by an "American rhythm and a Chinese overreaction".
The comments came on a trip to China that was meant to showcase European unity on China policy, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also taking part, but highlighted differences within the EU and angered Washington.
A readout from the French presidency made no direct mention of Taiwan, merely saying that both sides desired to "support international law, including freedom of navigation, throughout the Indo-Pacific region." read more
https://www.reuters.com/world/macron-bid...023-04-20/
French President Emmanuel Macron spoke with his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden on Thursday, but statements the two leaders released differed over Taiwan just 10 days after Macron had drawn criticism with allies over the issue.
In an interview with French daily Les Echos and news portal Politico, Macron called for the European Union to reduce its dependence on the U.S. and to become a "third pole" in world affairs alongside Washington and Beijing, and he cautioned against being drawn into a crisis over Taiwan driven by an "American rhythm and a Chinese overreaction".
The comments came on a trip to China that was meant to showcase European unity on China policy, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also taking part, but highlighted differences within the EU and angered Washington.
A readout from the French presidency made no direct mention of Taiwan, merely saying that both sides desired to "support international law, including freedom of navigation, throughout the Indo-Pacific region." read more
https://www.reuters.com/world/macron-bid...023-04-20/