Contrary to the outcry provoked in the West, the Chinese are full of praise for the "
very good ideas
" of Emmanuel Macron who calls on the European Union not to be "
follower
" of the United States on the question of Taiwan.
The island of 23 million inhabitants is the subject of a bitter rivalry between Beijing, which claims its sovereignty over this territory which it does not control, and Washington, Taiwan's main ally and arms supplier.
During his trip to China, the French president told the American site
Politico
and the business daily
Les Echos
that Europe should not align itself with the United States or China in the event of a conflict over Taiwan.
Comments published after his return to Paris.
These comments are "
obviously the result of long-standing observation and reflection
," said the
Global Times
, a daily close to Chinese power.
And to evoke "
words of truth
" in an article published on Tuesday.
"
Some want to build a false Europe in public opinion, and hide the real voices and interests
" of Europeans, criticizes the newspaper with its often acerbic editorials.
In the event of a conflict in Taiwan, "
the worst thing would be to think that we Europeans should be followers
" and "
adapt to the American rhythm and to a Chinese overreaction
", estimated Emmanuel Macron, pleading for "
strategic autonomy
" of the European Union.
These remarks, published Sunday when China simulated targeted bombings against Taiwan, sowed confusion in the West.
Beijing said on Wednesday that
it was "not surprised
" by these reactions.
Opposition to a “New Cold War”
"
Some countries don't want to see others become independent and self-sufficient
," Chinese diplomatic spokesman Wang Wenbin told reporters.
“
On the contrary, these countries always try to submit them to their own will
,” he added, without specifying which country (ies) he was referring to.
Former US President Donald Trump accused Emmanuel Macron of " licking
China's
ass " after his visit to Beijing, during an interview broadcast on Tuesday.
This position taken by the French head of state "
will prove to be a brilliant decision
" because it reflects "
an opposition to a new Cold War
", greets journalist Chen Weihua, Brussels correspondent for
China Daily
, an official daily published in English.
"
Macron's ideas are very good
," said a user on the social network Weibo, in tune with many other comments.
"
Europe's arrogance and inaction for many years has led it to extreme strategic passivity in the face of the United States
."
Read alsoTaiwan: when Emmanuel Macron leaves history
Chinese honors to the French president
Emmanuel Macron was welcomed last week as a star in China, with in particular scenes of euphoria before a meeting with students in Canton (south).
The Chinese media also did not fail to underline Xi Jinping's choice treatment of his guest, received with all honors.
However, it is "
unrealistic
" to think that France will side with China in the event of a conflict with the United States, warns the influential Hu Xijin, former editor of the
Global Times
and herald of Chinese nationalism.
Europe and the United States "
have common values and are bound by NATO
", he wrote to his subscribers on the Weibo social network.
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