French President Emmanuel Macron issued a stern warning to China today, stating that the NATO alliance may increase its engagement in Asia if Beijing fails to stop North Korea from supporting Russia in the war in Ukraine.
“North Korea in Ukraine is a serious issue for all of us. If China does not want NATO to become involved in Southeast Asia, then it should prevent North Korea from becoming active on European soil,” Macron declared during a major defense summit in Singapore.
France has traditionally opposed NATO’s expansion into Asia, with Macron previously leading efforts to block the opening of a NATO liaison office in Japan in 2023, as reported by Politico.
“I opposed NATO’s role in Asia because I don’t believe in participating in someone else’s strategic rivalry,” Macron added, though he hinted that Paris might reconsider this stance if the situation escalates.
The French president also warned of the risks of nuclear proliferation and the potential collapse of the global order established after World War II, calling on Asian nations to remain “independent” from both the United States and China.
Macron’s comments reflect growing international concerns about North Korea’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict and China’s influence over Pyongyang’s actions. His remarks also suggest a potential shift in European military policy if the conflict continues to draw in global powers.
