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White House 'confident' in US-French ties despite Macron's China remarks
Macron's remarks to journalists from French business daily Les Echos and news site Politico came after he was hosted for a state visit by China's Xi Jinping.
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French President Emmanuel Macron (left) chats with United States President Joe Biden as they leave Fiola Mare restaurant after a private dinner in Washington, DC, on Nov. 30, 2022. (AFP/Ludovic Marin)
T
he White House said Monday it remains "confident" in the US-French relationship after President Emmanuel Macron distanced himself from US policy on Taiwan and warned Europeans not to be American "followers."
Macron's remarks to journalists from French business daily Les Echos and news site Politico came after he was hosted for a state visit by China's Xi Jinping.
White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the Biden administration remains "comfortable and confident in the terrific bilateral relationship we have with France."
Kirby cited President Joe Biden's personal relationship with Macron and said the two countries are "working together on so many different issues," including naval operations in the Asia-Pacific.
Washington and Paris are partners in "a concerted effort by all of us in this vast alliance, this network of alliances and partnerships," Kirby said.
In his interview, Macron said European countries -- among the closest allies the United States has -- should not get caught in the tense standoff between Beijing and Washington over the fate of democratic Taiwan. Communist China has vowed to regain control, while the US government pledges to help Taiwan defend itself.
Macron, who discussed Taiwan with Xi on Friday, warned against Europe being "caught up in crises that are not ours, which prevents it from building its strategic autonomy."
