Amid rising US-China rivalry in Southeast Asia, French President Emmanuel Macron has pitched France as a stable, rules-driven partner with economic clout and diplomatic balance during his visit to Vietnam.
French President Emmanuel Macron kicked off a high-profile tour of Southeast Asia on Monday with a strong call to uphold a global order "based on law", as tensions mount between the United States and China in the region.
Speaking in Hanoi alongside Vietnamese counterpart Luong Cuong, Macron stressed the importance of a rules-based international framework during what he described as "a time of great imbalance and a resurgence of power-driven rhetoric and intimidation".
His visit comes as Vietnam finds itself navigating choppy diplomatic waters. While sharing strong economic ties with both the US and China, Vietnam is also grappling with Washington’s threats of steep tariffs – potentially up to 46 percent – while locked in territorial disputes with Beijing in the South China Sea.
Posting on X, Macron wrote: "Vietnam naturally emerged as the first stop on my trip to Southeast Asia. This is a new page being written between our two countries, in all areas: economic, scientific, technological, industrial, military, strategic, cultural, academic".
French contracts, 'booming' economy
Macron – looking to position France as a trustworthy partner – offered Hanoi a compelling alternative.
“With France, you have a familiar, safe, and reliable friend,” he told To Lam, the secretary general of Vietnam’s ruling Communist Party.
“In the period we are living in, this alone has great value.”
The French leader brought more than just warm words.
Nearly €9 billion worth of contracts were signed during his visit, highlighting France’s eagerness to tap into Vietnam’s booming economy.
Among the headline deals was budget airline Vietjet’s purchase of 20 Airbus A330-900 aircraft, doubling its fleet of the widebody model.
In addition, France and Vietnam signed an agreement on nuclear energy – a nod to Hanoi’s ambitions to meet rising energy demand while cutting carbon emissions.
Macron heads to Vietnam as France seeks bigger role in Indo-Pacific
Message on transatlantic relations
Macron’s message was also aimed westward. He addressed recent deadly Russian strikes on Ukraine, urging US President Donald Trump to back up tough talk with concrete action.
“I believe President Trump realises that when President Putin says he’s ready for peace, he’s not being truthful,” Macron said, calling for stronger US resolve.
On transatlantic ties, Macron struck a hopeful note. He expressed confidence that trade talks between the European Union and the United States would bear fruit, with an eye towards significantly reducing tariffs.
Vietnam invites France to remember Dien Bien Phu defeat after 70 years
Human rights and 'domestic spat'
Yet, the visit wasn’t without its complexities. Human Rights Watch had called on Macron to speak out against Vietnam’s harsh record on political dissent.
The one-party state currently holds over 170 political prisoners under laws that critics say criminalise peaceful activism.
However, in line with his usual diplomatic style, Macron opted to address human rights concerns privately rather than publicly.
The visit was briefly overshadowed by a viral video showing Brigitte Macron appearing to push her husband’s face as they landed in Hanoi.
Macron laughed off suggestions of a spat, saying they were “joking” and the moment was taken out of context. “Everyone needs to calm down,” he said, blaming online disinformation – particularly from Russian and extremist sources – for distorting harmless footage.
During his time in Hanoi, Macron paid respects at a war memorial and lunched with Vietnamese leaders at the historic Temple of Literature, where he also enjoyed a traditional music and dance performance.
His Southeast Asia tour will continue with stops in Indonesia and Singapore.
