Macron in Singapore: France Seeks 'Third Way' Amidst US-China Tensions

Singapore: Macron and Wong Address France's Role Amidst US-China Rivalry Singapore played host to a significant joint press conference on May 30, 2025, featuring Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and French President Emmanuel Macron. The event focused on France's role in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in the context of growing US-China tensions. Macron, currently on a state visit, emphasized France's commitment to an open and inclusive regional order. "We don't want to depend on one or the other," Macron stated, referring to the US and China. "We want to cooperate with both as far as we can." This statement highlights France's strategic approach to balancing relations with both major powers. PM Wong echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Singapore's and ASEAN's desire for a region not dominated by any single power. He noted, "We want a region that is not dominated by any single power, that does not have exclusive arrangements with any single power." This shared vision underscores the growing importance of multilateralism in the region. The press conference took place against the backdrop of Macron's keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue, a prominent security summit. His visit and statements are seen as a significant step in France's engagement with Southeast Asia and its efforts to promote stability and cooperation in the region.