Brussels — In a bold display of foreign policy commitment, French President Emmanuel Macron spent an entire week touring Southeast Asia, reinforcing France’s strategic posture in the Indo-Pacific. His visits to Vietnam, Indonesia, and Singapore were carefully curated to project France and, by extension, Europe as stable, understanding, and reliable partners in a region increasingly shaped by US-China competition.
Macron’s itinerary began in Vietnam on May 25, continued to Indonesia on May 28, and culminated in Singapore on May 30, where he is set to deliver the keynote address at the prestigious Shangri-La Dialogue. While other Western leaders remain mired in domestic challenges, Macron’s presence in Asia signaled a proactive and personal investment in long-term diplomatic engagement.
This tour enabled France to position itself as a middle power that offers “no strings attached” partnerships, reviving a Gaullist tradition of strategic autonomy. French officials emphasized that Macron was not only representing France but also the broader European Union in articulating shared interests and proposing cooperative frameworks distinct from those of Beijing or Washington.
In Vietnam, Macron inked several major deals, notably involving Airbus commercial aircraft. While the precise national economic benefit of such deals is debatable—given Airbus’s multinational structure—the gesture was diplomatically potent. France is now the only European country accorded Vietnam’s highest “first-tier strategic partner” status, alongside China, Russia, and India.
Indonesia, meanwhile, provided a key military and diplomatic platform. Macron reaffirmed bilateral defense commitments, including Indonesia’s US$8.1 billion purchase of 42 Rafale fighter jets and the ongoing negotiation of two Scorpene-class submarines. French manufacturers are navigating complex offset requirements from the Indonesian government, but the strengthening of ties reflects growing alignment.
The rapport between Macron and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto also extended into the realm of geopolitics. France is preparing to co-host a summit on Palestine with Saudi Arabia in June, and Macron secured Prabowo’s symbolic backing. Prabowo’s remarks hinting at diplomatic recognition of Israel under certain conditions gave further legitimacy to France’s positioning as a bridge-builder between Europe, the Arab world, and Muslim-majority nations.
Macron’s final stop in Singapore was equally symbolic. Enjoying local street food with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and mingling with citizens underscored a softer form of diplomacy—cultural outreach reinforcing strategic intent.
Critics often accuse Macron of overplaying France’s global significance. However, in contrast to Europe’s inward-looking tendencies, Macron’s active diplomacy offered a timely counter-narrative—one of ambition, outreach, and engagement in a multipolar world.
Whether this weeklong initiative translates into sustainable influence remains to be seen. But for now, Macron has succeeded in reminding the region—and perhaps Europe itself—that France remains a serious global actor in Southeast Asia’s evolving landscape.
