French President Macron instructs Vietnamese students on the art of spontaneous, extraordinary abilities
French President Emmanuel Macron continued his six-day Southeast Asian tour on Tuesday, visiting Indonesia following his stay in Vietnam. The tour is centered around Macron's proposal of a "third way" between the United States and China, aiming to offer a strategic alternative for a region embroiled in the broader confrontation between the two world powers.
During his address at the University of Science and Technology in Hanoi, Macron expressed concern over the tension between China and the United States, calling it a "geopolitical fact" that poses a risk of a larger conflict in the region. He specifically highlighted the South China Sea as an area of concern, emphasizing the importance of freedom of navigation and maritime security.
Macron did not shy away from criticizing both nations. Referring to the US, he criticized its imposition of tariffs based on "the side of the bed on which [it] woke up." To present France as a reliable alternative, Macron touted his country's "Indo-Pacific strategy," suggesting that this path could offer a route to freedom and sovereignty for the region.
Before reaching Indonesia, Macron paid his respects at a Hanoi war memorial, commemorating those who fought against French colonial occupation. Vietnam, situated on the frontlines of US-China tensions, walks a delicate tightrope, sharing concerns about China's assertiveness while maintaining strong economic ties with its neighbor.
Macron's engagement in Southeast Asia does not end with Vietnam. He is also scheduled to meet with ASEAN leadership, underscoring France's commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation in the region. In this context, Macron's strategy supports international trade rules and opposes both Beijing's aggressive trade and territorial actions and Washington's heavy tariff policies.
Among the students who attended Macron's speech, some saw an opportunity in France, viewing it as a more stable alternative to the United States amid the current geopolitical landscape. Indonesian and Vietnamese students expressed appreciation for Macron's approach, particularly given the increased uncertainties presented by the US's visa issues for international students under President Trump.
During his speech, Macron emphasized the importance of critical thinking and avoiding falling into the "world of fools" on social media, noting that not all words are equal and that there are those who possess greater knowledge.
In the broader context, Macron's "third way" proposes a strategic framework emphasizing legal norms, strategic cooperation, and economic partnerships. This approach aims to ease regional tensions and provide a stabilizing influence amid escalating US-China competition[1][2][3].
© 2025 AFP
- The French President's tour in Southeast Asia emphasizes France's policy-and-legislation approach that seeks to present an alternative to the United States and China in the region, particularly in the face of war-and-conflicts such as the tension in the South China Sea.
- Macron's Indo-Pacific strategy, which he promotes during his tour, proposes a 'third way' that supports international trade rules and lawful norms, differentiating France from the aggressive trade and territorial actions of China and the heavy tariff policies of the United States.
- Amid rising uncertainties and geopolitical conflicts, some Indonesian and Vietnamese students viewing Macron's speech saw France as a more stable choice in the general-news landscape, offering a more balanced policy-and-legislation approach compared to the United States.
