China’s Foreign Ministry sharply rebuked French President Emmanuel Macron on May 30, 2025, for comparing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to potential Chinese aggression toward Taiwan, calling the analogy “inappropriate and misleading.”
Macron, speaking at a NATO summit in Brussels on May 28, suggested that both situations involve “sovereign territories under threat,” urging global unity to deter authoritarian expansion. China’s spokesperson Lin Jian responded in a Beijing press briefing, asserting that Taiwan is an internal matter, unlike Ukraine, which is an independent nation.
Lin reiterated China’s stance that Taiwan is an inalienable part of its territory, governed by the “one-China principle,” recognized by 183 countries, including France. He accused Macron of undermining bilateral ties and escalating tensions, especially amid France’s arms sales to Taiwan, including a €1 billion submarine deal in 2024. China warned of “consequences” if France continues “provocative” rhetoric, hinting at economic repercussions, given France’s €25 billion trade deficit with China in 2024.
Macron’s comments reflect Western concerns about China’s military drills near Taiwan, which intensified after Taipei’s 2024 election of pro-independence President Lai Ching-te. France, a key EU player, has increased its Indo-Pacific naval presence, with warships patrolling the Taiwan Strait. The spat has strained Sino-French relations, already tense over EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. Analysts see Macron’s remarks as a bid to rally NATO support for Taiwan, though China’s response underscores its sensitivity to international interference. The dispute highlights the delicate balance in global diplomacy over Taiwan’s status.