On Friday, French President Macron issued a warning to the Chinese Communist Party, stating that if more measures are not taken to prevent North Korea from participating in Russia’s war against Ukraine, NATO may become more deeply involved in Asian affairs.
Speaking at the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue Defense Summit in Singapore, Macron emphasized that the situation of North Korea’s involvement in Ukraine is a significant concern for everyone. He stated, “If China (the CCP) does not want NATO to intervene in Southeast Asian affairs, it should prevent North Korea from getting involved in European affairs.”
For a long time, France has maintained the belief that the transatlantic military alliance should not extend its influence into Asia. In 2023, France even led efforts to block NATO from establishing a liaison office in Japan.
Macron expressed his opposition to NATO’s presence in Asia, stating, “I am against NATO playing a role in Asia because I do not believe we should be involved in the strategic competition of other countries.” However, he hinted that he may reconsider his stance now.
As part of the military agreements between the two countries, the North Korean military is supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine, with Russian forces attempting to use North Korean soldiers to drive Ukrainian troops out of the Kursk region in southwest Russia.
Prior to attending the summit, Macron visited Vietnam and Indonesia, where he signed a series of agreements, including a defense agreement.
His tour of Asia will conclude in Singapore, where he has been invited to deliver a keynote speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue hosted by the International Institute for Strategic Studies. This dialogue typically attracts leaders and defense ministers from around the world, with this year’s attendees including United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and EU High Representative Kaja Kallas.
Macron also warned of the risks of nuclear proliferation and the potential collapse of the global order established after World War II.
He reiterated France’s consistent stance, calling on Asian countries to “maintain independence between the United States and China.”
Macron stated, “France upholds strategic autonomy and sovereign freedom. We defend this position for Europe and the Indo-Pacific region.”