What are Macron’s expectations for his visit to Hanoi? – DW – May 26, 2025

French President Emmanuel Macron has made Vietnam the first stop in his weeklong tour of Southeast Asia, aiming to strengthen the EU’s strategic position in a region tangled in the US-China rivalry. Meeting Vietnam’s top leader To Lam, Macron capitalized on the insecurity created by US President Donald Trump’s trade wars and Beijing’s aggressive posturing in the disputed areas of the South China Sea. Macron emphasized the value of France as a reliable friend, with this being the first visit by a French president to Vietnam in nearly a decade. Macron’s tour will also include visits to Indonesia and Singapore, where he will meet with several regional leaders and participate in security forums. On Monday, Macron oversaw several economic agreements, including a deal for Vietnam’s low-cost airline VietJet to purchase 20 aircraft from Airbus. Vietnam sees France as both as a counterweight to China and a bridge to European markets, especially given growing uncertainties around US tariffs. The relationship upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between France and Vietnam signifies the highest designation for Hanoi’s diplomatic ties, reinforcing France’s connection despite its former colonial role in the region. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is also expected to visit the region in the coming weeks.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/vietnam-what-does-france-s-macron-hope-to-gain-in-hanoi/a-72672127?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf