French President Emmanuel Macron praised Europe’s “predictability” during a visit to Japan on Wednesday, contrasting it with countries that “could hurt you without even informing you” in an apparent swipe at US President Donald Trump.
The US president lashed out at France on Tuesday, writing on social media that Paris had been “very unhelpful” during the war with Iran, which has since spread across the Middle East.
“I’m well aware that sometimes Europe can be seen as a continent that is slower than others,” Macron told an audience of Japanese business leaders and investors in Tokyo.
“But predictability has value, and we have demonstrated that over all these past years and, dare I say, even these past weeks: we are where you know we will go,” he added.
“That’s not bad, in times like these, believe me.”
Macron criticised countries that said they were “going much faster” than their allies, but “you don’t know whether the day after tomorrow they will still be in that position, and whether tomorrow they won’t make a decision that could hurt you without even informing you”.
The remark was a reference to the month-long US-Israeli war on Iran, which has responded by virtually closing the vital Strait of Hormuz, through which a large share of the oil imported by Japan normally transits.
Macron’s office had expressed surprise at Trump’s criticism of France for not letting planes carrying military supplies for the conflict fly over its territory.
“It is absolutely true that France, which has not been consulted and is not part of this military offensive launched by the United States and Israel, is not taking part in it,” Macron said in an interview with Japanese broadcaster NHK, adding that had been France’s stance since “day one” of the war.
Energy crisis
Macron met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo and spoke of their cooperation in the face of the “current energy crisis.”
“We share a belief in international law and in the international order based on the United Nations Charter, and we also believe in the democratic values that we defend. This is why…we both advocate the return to peace, to a ceasefire, to calm, and to the free movement of people and goods through the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.
Takaichi echoed his words, saying the two leaders had agreed “on the importance of ensuring the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, maintaining a stable supply of essential materials, and calming the situation as soon as possible”.
Japan depends on the Middle East for 95% of its oil imports and has had to dip into strategic stockpiles to temper the impact of rising fuel prices since the start of the war.
The two countries signed a roadmap on access to critical minerals and another on defence cooperation, while joint projects are being showcased during the visit, including initiatives to tackle space debris.
But they also shared a lighthearted moment during a news conference, turning to each other and cupping their hands in a gesture known as a kamehameha, taken from globally beloved Japanese manga, anime and video game franchise “Dragon Ball.”
Macron’s visit, his fourth to the country, comes as China-Japan ties worsen following Takaichi’s suggestion in November that Tokyo might intervene militarily in any Chinese attempt to take Taiwan.
Macron visited China in December.
He and his wife Brigitte are due to have lunch with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako on Thursday but a hoped-for outside viewing of Japan’s famous cherry trees in full bloom was cancelled due to heavy rain.
He will fly to South Korea on Thursday.
Additional sources • AFP
