At the 2025 Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a pointed message to China: prevent North Korea from participating in Russia’s war against Ukraine, or risk NATO increasing its presence in Asia. Macron’s remarks underscore growing concerns about the global ramifications of regional conflicts and the interconnectedness of international security.
Macron highlighted reports of North Korean troops supporting Russian forces in Ukraine, particularly in the Kursk region. He emphasized that such involvement could not be overlooked and posed a significant threat to European security. “North Korea in Ukraine is a big issue for all of us,” Macron stated. “If China does not want NATO to be involved in Southeast Asia, it must prevent [North Korea’s] participation on European soil.”
Traditionally, France has opposed NATO’s expansion into Asia, advocating for a focus on the Euro-Atlantic region. However, Macron suggested that North Korea’s actions might necessitate a reevaluation of this stance. He expressed concern that unchecked aggression in Ukraine could embolden similar actions elsewhere, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. “If we allow Russia to win in Ukraine, we send a message to other authoritarian regimes that force is acceptable,” he warned.
Macron also addressed the broader implications of the Ukraine conflict, urging European and Asian nations to form a “coalition of action” to uphold the international order. He cautioned against being drawn into the escalating rivalry between the U.S. and China, advocating instead for strategic autonomy and multilateral cooperation.
The French president’s comments come amid heightened tensions between global powers and growing concerns over the erosion of international norms. By calling on China to restrain North Korea and emphasizing the potential for NATO’s expanded role in Asia, Macron signaled a willingness to adapt traditional alliances in response to evolving security challenges.
As the international community grapples with the complexities of modern conflicts, Macron’s address serves as a reminder of the importance of collective action and the need to uphold the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
