Macron Urges Europe to Curb Dependence on US, China
(MENAFN) During a formal address to the British Parliament on Tuesday, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the need for both the United Kingdom and the broader European continent to lessen their economic and technological reliance on the United States and China.
He cautioned that continued dependence on these global powers could jeopardize Europe’s sovereignty and its ability to act independently on the world stage in the long term.
While delivering his speech before members of both parliamentary houses during a state visit to London, Macron warned, “If we still depend on both China and the US, I think we have a clear view of our future and the future of our children.”
He reinforced his position by stating, “We want an open world. We want to cooperate, but not to depend,” underlining Europe’s desire for collaboration without compromising its autonomy.
Macron criticized what he referred to as “overcapacities and other subsidies” originating from China, and also addressed the escalating tensions brought about by the United States’ actions in global trade.
He described the US’s “trade war” as “an explicit decision not to be compliant anymore with the WTO,” suggesting it undermines international trade norms.
Encouraging Europe to avoid placing itself in a position of dependency, Macron remarked, “Each time we depend, each time we are not able to stand up and decide and agree to disagree. This is the beginning of our problem.”
His call to action arrives just ahead of a Franco-British summit scheduled for Thursday in London, where new collaborative efforts in defense, energy, and economic sectors are expected to be announced.
On matters of international diplomacy, Macron commended the United Kingdom’s decisive and consistent backing of Ukraine in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion.
He acknowledged their role by saying, "Since the first day, and even before the first day, you were part of the closest ally in training the army, being here the first day to protect President Zelenskyy, his government, and allowing the forces just to resist."
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