Nuclear, defense, space, AI: why Emmanuel Macron is visiting Japan and South Korea

Emmanuel Macron looks to strengthen French Indo-Pacific strategy during Japan, South Korea trip

Far from domestic debates post-municipal elections, Emmanuel Macron is traveling to Asia, specifically Japan and South Korea from March 31 to April 3. This trip comes in a time of heightened international tensions. The focus is on technological cooperation, economic interests, and overall global security, aiming to enhance key partnerships in Asia and assert a balanced diplomacy against major powers.

In Japan, the President is making his fourth visit since 2017, aiming to bolster an exceptional partnership based on longstanding strategic convergences. With a degraded security environment, Paris and Tokyo, both G7 members, are deepening their defense cooperation.

Economic aspects are a central pillar of the visit. Discussions will cover disruptive technologies like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, space, and decarbonization. France and Japan have a robust economic relationship, with a significant number of French residents, imports from France, French investments, and Japanese investments in France.

Civil nuclear cooperation is a key aspect of their bilateral partnership, emphasizing a shared vision and strategic interdependence in this field. The space sector is also crucial for the Franco-Japanese rapprochement.

Following Japan, Macron’s state visit to South Korea is a significant political milestone. It’s the first French presidential visit since 2015 and coincides with the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Seoul is seen as a key partner in future sectors like semiconductors, AI, and low-carbon technologies.

The economic ties between France and South Korea demonstrate a growing strength, with bilateral trade and French investments in South Korea on an upward trend. The goal is to elevate this partnership to a new level of ambition by reinforcing industrial and technological cooperation.

Strategically, discussions will also cover major international crises, including the situation in Ukraine, North Korea, and the Middle East. Securing the Strait of Hormuz will be a topic of discussion, crucial for Japan and South Korea’s oil imports from the Middle East.

Overall, Macron’s trip underscores France’s enduring presence in the Indo-Pacific region. With a strong military presence and a comprehensive strategy focusing on defense, connectivity, multilateralism, and the environment, Paris asserts itself as a leading power in the region.