How does France aim to help Asian states defend their interests?

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France Advocates for Asian States' Autonomy in Defending Interests

France and Europe do not desire for their Asian partners to be compelled into choosing between the United States and China. This stance is articulated by the new French ambassador to Singapore, Stephen Marchisio, who noted an increasing pressure, particularly from the U.S., for Asian nations to make such a selection. France, conversely, maintains that it is crucial for countries to engage with all parties and avoid being forced into a binary choice.
Macron's Address on State Interests

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to deliver a keynote address at Asia's largest security conference on May 31. During this address, he intends to underscore the principle that each state within the region should possess the capability to safeguard its own interests. This autonomy in defending national interests is a core tenet of France's foreign policy approach towards the Indo-Pacific.
Pursuing Interests Despite Disagreements

The French ambassador elaborated that the ability to defend one's interests is achievable even when there are fundamental disagreements with another country's political model. Specifically, he highlighted that a nation can assert its interests irrespective of whether it concurs with the Chinese political system or wishes to host a U.S. military base on its territory. This emphasizes a pragmatic approach to international relations, prioritising national sovereignty.
European Unity and Retaliation Concerns

In light of recent remarks from members of the Trump administration, Marchisio also suggested that Europe must maintain unity, potentially by reconsidering defence-related purchases from the U.S. He indicated that while some nations previously viewed defence acquisitions as a means to curry favour, sentiments have shifted, particularly following confrontational comments made at a security conference. The ambassador implied that European countries might refrain from purchasing American military hardware if there is no assurance of easing U.S. pressure or antagonistic rhetoric, hinting at possible retaliatory measures if necessary, though expressing a preference for avoiding such actions due to shared interests.

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How does France aim to help Asian states defend their interests?

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