"Macron urges Europe to cut reliance on US and China"

European Nations Must Reduce Reliance on US and China, Macron Urges During Historic UK Visit

French President Emmanuel Macron called on European nations to lessen their dependencies on both the US and China as he outlined his vision for a strengthened "wider Europe" during the first day of a historic state visit to Britain.

Speaking before hundreds of lawmakers and guests at the start of his three-day trip—the first state visit by a European leader since Brexit—Macron envisioned a new Europe extending beyond the EU's boundaries, with France and Britain at its center. He briefly acknowledged lingering disappointment over Britain's departure from the bloc.

Macron praised British leadership and pledged deeper cooperation between the two countries on migration, referencing efforts to establish an agreement on returning some asylum seekers to France. He also renewed his call for a youth mobility scheme, which drew applause from attendees, including Labour officials.

"We must reduce risks to our economies by decreasing our heavy reliance on both the US and China," Macron said. "If we remain excessively dependent on these two powers, our future—and that of our children—will be shaped by others."

He criticized China's economic policies for distorting trade and disrupting supply chains while condemning the US for abandoning WTO-compliant trade practices. "To build a sustainable future, we must free our economies from these dual dependencies," he added.

Macron’s speech was a highlight of his visit, the first by a French head of state since Nicolas Sarkozy in 2008. The day included formal ceremonies, such as a welcome by King Charles at Windsor Castle and a parade featuring a military guard of honor.

Later, the president addressed Parliament in the Royal Gallery, a venue previously used by figures such as former US President Bill Clinton and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Macron stood between two large paintings—one of the Battle of Waterloo, the other of Trafalgar—but avoided referencing past conflicts, instead emphasizing the enduring partnership rooted in the 1904 Entente Cordiale.

"Since then, our nations have maintained a strong alliance, cooperating on European and global security," he said.

As a symbol of renewed ties, Macron announced the Bayeux Tapestry would be displayed in Britain for the first time in more than 900 years. The UK government views the visit as evidence of improved relations with the EU, including progress on historically contentious issues.