France seeks independent path amid global power rivalry

Macron met with students at Yonsei University in Seoul as part of his official visit to South Korea, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency.

In his speech, he stated that democracies such as France and South Korea have many areas of cooperation.

“At the core of this cooperation, there is a shared agenda among our democratic countries — in Europe, Canada, Brazil, and India.” he added.

Referring again to the U.S. and China, Macron said:

“Our goal is not to become vassals of two dominant powers.”

Pointing out that a third path is possible on the global stage, he stated:

“We do not want to depend on China’s dominance, nor do we want to be exposed to the uncertainty of the United States.”

Macron also referred to the role played by the U.S. in establishing the global order after World War II, saying:

“The problem we face is that the leading powers with the greatest responsibility are beginning to endanger the international order.”

Emphasizing that issues related to Iran cannot be solved solely through bombardment, Macron argued that saying a country can be intervened in simply because its government is disliked would be like “opening Pandora’s box.”

As part of his visit, Macron also met with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in a working meeting.

At the start of the meeting, Macron stated that they aim to strengthen defense ties between France and South Korea.

He added that they believe in a coalition seeking independence with various partners and oppose all forms of hegemony.

During Macron’s visit to Seoul, relations between France and South Korea were elevated to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.