PARIS - BY EU INSIDER - Apr 13,2024

French President Emmanuel Macron recently visited China with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss EU-China relations and China's role in the conflict in Ukraine. The visit provided insight into Macron's perspective on the EU's geopolitical role in the current era of great power competition between the US and China. Following Macron's trip, live-fire military exercises began, indicating growing tensions in the Taiwan Strait.

 

While von der Leyen has taken a more assertive stance towards China, Macron has sought a conciliatory tone. In an interview, Macron emphasized his belief in strategic autonomy and the need for Europe to act independently rather than blindly following the US into crises, including the Taiwan issue.

 

However, some US politicians have criticized Macron's comments as "embarrassing, disgraceful, and very geopolitically naïve." Despite disagreements, it is important for the US and France to maintain close political and security ties.

 

For France and many EU states, China is not yet perceived as an economic and military threat to the extent that it is in the US. While China is seen as a competitor, support for Taiwan is not yet worth jeopardizing economic ties. However, smaller frontline EU states like Lithuania may have more common cause with Taiwan in resisting China's aggressive tendencies.

 

Strategic autonomy requires a combination of power and principles, which may be easier for newer and more vulnerable EU member states like the Baltic nations. These states are taking tangible steps towards strategic autonomy by boosting defense spending and strengthening ties with the US and NATO allies.

 

Macron believes that the EU has a tradition of shaping the global order and exerting influence on its own terms, but the war in Ukraine has revealed moral frailty in larger member states like France.

To effectively lead on strategic autonomy, all EU member states must be allowed to participate and contribute their historical memories. Strategic autonomy can serve both the EU's principles and its drive for power as a formidable geopolitical actor.