Joe Biden and Macron also discussed the Russian invasion of pro-Western Ukraine. (file)
Washington:
US President Joe Biden and President Emmanuel Macron signaled efforts on Thursday to ease tensions in the wake of the French leader’s recent remarks on Taiwan and European security ties with Washington.
The White House and Elysee said in separate statements after the phone call that the leaders discussed Macron’s state visit to Beijing in the first week of April, where he spent several hours with President Xi Jinping.
As he finished the visit, Macron caused an uproar by telling reporters that European countries should not get involved in the fight between China and the United States over democratic, Western-backed Taiwan.
Macron said Europe must “avoid crises that are not ours.” He also reiterated previous comments seeking “strategic autonomy” of the EU from the United States, which has been instrumental in protecting Europe since helping defeat Nazi Germany in World War II.
The White House statement emphasized their shared positions.
“They discussed the recent visit of President Macron to the People’s Republic of China and his ongoing efforts to advance prosperity, security, shared values and a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region,” the statement said. “They reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.”
The statement said Biden and Macron also discussed the Russian invasion of pro-Western Ukraine and “reiterated their steadfast support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s brutal aggression.”
In Paris, Macron’s office characterized the call as brief to Biden on “the results achieved” during the China trip.
Referring to Macron’s push for China to play a role in brokering a peace settlement to end the war in Ukraine, the statement said, “In the medium term, it is important for China to play a role in ending the conflict in accordance with principles.” was and is the purpose of the United Nations Charter.”
“The heads of both countries agreed on the importance of engaging Chinese officials on this basis,” the statement said.
Washington views Macron’s initiative with some skepticism given Communist China’s strong alliance with Russia.
On the transatlantic security relationship, the French statement “underlines the importance of European countries re-arming themselves to take up their responsibilities in sharing the burden of transatlantic security.”
It echoed US language on Taiwan, saying “the two presidents share a common desire to uphold and support international law, including freedom of navigation, throughout the Indo-Pacific region.”
Biden held a separate call on Thursday with European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who accompanied Macron to Beijing.
A White House statement said they also “affirmed the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.”
“The two leaders discussed President von der Leyen’s recent visit to Beijing and their shared commitment to upholding the rules-based international order, human rights and fair trade practices,” the statement said.
The statement said Biden also discussed Western efforts to deter Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as well as the transition to clean energy economies.
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