French President Emmanuel Macron is on a three-nation visit to Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Indonesia, and Singapore, aiming to present France as a “third option” for regional countries beyond the influence of the U.S. and China.
A Rocky Start in Vietnam
On Monday, President Macron landed in Hanoi, Vietnam, marking the first leg of his trip. However, the visit began on an awkward note when a video went viral showing Brigitte Macron appearing to swat away her husband’s hand as they disembarked from the plane. The moment was quickly seized upon by Chinese netizens, who turned it into a meme symbolizing what they saw as France’s broader diplomatic failure in the region.
Despite the stumble, Macron’s visit resulted in the signing of contracts worth €9 billion (US$10.25 billion). According to documents seen by Reuters, deals included the purchase of 20 Airbus planes, cooperation on nuclear energy, defense, rail and maritime transport, Airbus earth-observation satellites, and Sanofi vaccines.
Vietnamese President Luong Cuong highlighted the significance of the new defense partnership, which includes “sharing of information on strategic matters” and expanded cooperation in the defense industry, cybersecurity, and anti-terrorism.
France’s historical ties with Vietnam, which it ruled for about 70 years until its expulsion in 1954 following the Dien Bien Phu defeat, have improved markedly in recent decades. The two countries upgraded their relationship to its highest level last year. Vietnam, meanwhile, continues to pursue an independent foreign policy known as “bamboo diplomacy,” emphasizing “strong roots” and “flexible branches” in balancing global powers to secure trade and investment.
Deepening Ties in Indonesia
On Tuesday, Macron arrived in Jakarta for the second leg of his Southeast Asia tour. There, he met with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. The two leaders focused on strengthening cooperation in defense, energy, food security, and digital transformation.
“This visit coincides with the 75th anniversary of bilateral relations between Indonesia and France and is a momentum to strengthen partnerships in various strategic sectors, including energy transition, food security, defense, digital transformation, and cultural exchange,” Prabowo stated on X (formerly Twitter).
The visit reinforces France’s efforts to position itself as a balancing power in the Indo-Pacific, navigating between the competing influences of the United States and China.
Final Stop: Singapore
Macron’s final stop is Singapore, where he aims to solidify France’s presence as a reliable partner in the Indo-Pacific. Key objectives include enhancing cooperation in defense, trade, and sustainability.
He is also scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia’s premier defense summit. France and Singapore are working toward upgrading their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) by 2025, which will also mark the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.
Building on the France-Singapore Joint Year of Sustainability launched in April 2024, Macron’s visit underscores a shared commitment to sustainable development and the green transition.
Strategic Balance or Arms Sales?
While Macron presents France’s role as one of strategic balance in the region, some Chinese observers argue that the true objective may be more transactional, centered on arms sales and economic interests rather than purely geopolitical balance.
Regardless of interpretation, Macron’s Southeast Asia tour underscores France’s renewed ambition to engage deeply with a region increasingly shaped by the rivalries of global powers.
