French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent move to seek China’s assistance in ending Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine has upset US President Joe Biden. Macron’s decision has raised eyebrows among Biden’s administration officials as they fear that it may tilt the balance of power in the region in China’s favor.
Macron’s overture to China came during his recent visit to Beijing, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. During their meeting, Macron reportedly discussed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and sought China’s help in mediating a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia.
The move has caught Biden’s administration off guard, as the US has been leading efforts to isolate Russia diplomatically and economically over its annexation of Crimea and involvement in the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine. Biden has also sought to build a united front with European allies against Russian aggression.
US officials fear that Macron’s move could undermine these efforts and give China an opportunity to expand its influence in Europe. China has been looking to increase its presence in the region through its Belt and Road Initiative, which seeks to boost trade and investment in Eurasia.
The Biden administration has voiced its concerns to the French government, urging them to reconsider their decision. The US State Department also released a statement reaffirming its commitment to working with European partners to resolve the conflict in Ukraine.
Macron’s move comes at a time when tensions between the US and China are already high over a range of issues, including human rights, trade, and security. The US has been pressing its allies to adopt a tougher stance towards China, particularly in the wake of Beijing’s crackdown on pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong.
The French government has defended Macron’s move, stating that it is in France’s national interest to engage with China and seek its assistance in resolving global conflicts. The French foreign minister also emphasized the need for multilateralism in resolving the conflict in Ukraine.
Despite the disagreement between France and the US over China’s role in resolving the Ukraine conflict, both countries remain committed to finding a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis. It remains to be seen how Macron’s overture to China will affect the balance of power in the region and the broader geopolitical landscape.
