🌏 Macron Backs Rules-Based Global Order in Southeast Asia Tour
French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday (May 26, 2025), called for the preservation of a world order “based on law” during his high-profile visit to Vietnam, as geopolitical tensions escalate in the Indo-Pacific region. His visit marks the beginning of a strategic six-day Southeast Asia tour that will also include Indonesia and Singapore.
Standing beside Vietnamese President Luong Cuong in Hanoi, Macron warned of a return to “power-driven rhetoric and intimidation”, a clear reference to the ongoing rivalry between the United States and China. France, he asserted, is ready to serve as a reliable, rules-respecting partner in the region.
🇫🇷 France Positions Itself as a ‘Third Way’ for Vietnam
Caught between Washington’s looming trade sanctions and Beijing’s maritime assertiveness, Vietnam has become a key player in the South China Sea conflict. Macron positioned France as a “third way”, offering strategic cooperation that respects international law and sovereignty.
“Vietnam is really on the front line of all the tensions growing in the South China Sea,” said a senior French diplomat.
France’s Indo-Pacific strategy aims to provide a balanced alternative that neither aligns with U.S. trade protectionism nor with China’s aggressive posturing.
🤝 Major Deals Signed: Nuclear Energy and Aviation
On Monday, France and Vietnam signed over a dozen bilateral agreements, including one focused on nuclear energy collaboration—a major step for Vietnam as it attempts to meet rising energy demands for its population of over 100 million.
Vietnamese budget airline Vietjet also announced an order for 20 Airbus A330-900 aircraft, doubling its previous order. The estimated value of the deal is $8 billion, signaling deepening economic ties between the two nations.
🏛️ Symbolic Tributes and Diplomatic Lunch
Before formal talks, Macron paid tribute at Hanoi’s war memorial honoring those who fought against French colonial rule. He also met Communist Party General Secretary Tô Lâm, considered the most powerful leader in Vietnam, at the city’s renowned Temple of Literature.
🧑⚖️ Human Rights in Focus—But Quiet Diplomacy Continues
Ahead of the visit, Human Rights Watch (HRW) urged Macron to address Vietnam’s worsening human rights record. HRW reports that over 170 political prisoners are jailed under laws that suppress free expression and peaceful activism.
While Macron has not made any public statements on the issue, it aligns with his behind-closed-doors diplomacy, often used to handle sensitive matters.
🇻🇳 Vietnam’s Bamboo Diplomacy: Navigating Global Powers
Vietnam continues to adopt a “bamboo diplomacy” approach—strong yet flexible—balancing its economic interests with China while maintaining strategic security ties with the United States. Macron’s visit offers a new dimension to this balancing act by proposing multilateral cooperation rooted in international law.
📈 Why This Visit Matters: Implications for Asia and Beyond
Macron’s call for a law-based world order during his Southeast Asia tour comes at a time when the region faces rising economic and security challenges. The visit signals France’s growing role in Indo-Pacific geopolitics, and could reshape European-Asian relations.
🔍 Key Highlights:
- Macron begins six-day Asia tour in Vietnam.
- Urges for a “rules-based” global order amid U.S.-China tensions.
- France signs multiple bilateral deals including in nuclear energy and aviation.
- Vietjet orders 20 Airbus aircraft worth $8 billion.
- Macron refrains from public criticism on Vietnam’s human rights but acknowledges the issue diplomatically.
- Visit positions France as a reliable strategic partner for ASEAN countries.
