TAIPEI (TVBS News) — After French President Emmanuel Macron's controversial statement on cross-strait issues and Europe's stance, TVBS commentator Wenchi Yu interviewed Professor Philippe Le Corre from the ESSEC Business School in Paris to gain insights.
He expressed his belief that as Macron had met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen before the meeting in China, they were most likely trying out a "good cop, bad cop" front.
"I think he (Macron) probably misspoke, especially in his interview toward the end of his business; especially when he said if there was a war in Taiwan, it wouldn't be our war," Le Corre added.
He explained that Macron's comments reflected the consensus among European countries of not wanting to become embroiled in the escalating tensions between the US and China.
"I think most Europeans and not just in France agree that we don’t want to be caught in this new 'cold war' or 'conflict.'"
"In many cases, the Europeans would want to continue to do business with both," Le Corre said.
The ongoing conflict between the US and China has left European countries reluctant to pick sides, especially with the Russia-Ukraine war. Europe is possibly looking to China to help resolve the situation.
However, China's increasing military threats to Taiwan have caused European concerns.
"The drills, the military exercises that took place last August and again recently, all of this is sort of adding to the sympathy, and the fact that generally, China’s reputation is not very good, in Europe and in France especially."
Le Corre, formerly stationed in Taiwan as a French correspondent, revealed that many in France have an affinity for Taiwan, and it remains a good partner in educational and economic exchanges.
Despite this, business opportunities with Taiwan still need to be expanded, and Le Corre believes that it's challenging to determine France's true stance toward China in global politics.
