Macron inks aviation, defence & energy deals with Vietnam, pitches front against US, China

French President Emmanuel Macron has embarked on a charm offensive in Southeast Asia. On Monday, Macron paid homage to his country's one-time arch nemesis, Ho Chi Minh. Macron also honoured those who died in the First Indochina War, fought between France and Vietnam.

It seems that Macron’s bid to foster good ties with a former French colony is working, because he ended up signing multiple deals, covering aviation, defence, satellites, nuclear energy and medicine, among other fields.

Macron’s Vietnam visit is part of a broader outreach to Southeast Asia. He will also be visiting Indonesia and Singapore. Macron is trying to improve European trade ties with Southeast Asia. And his offer is simple; Stability.

Macron seemingly took a dig at US President Trump and his tariff wars. In April, the US President had threatened to hit Vietnamese exports to the US with 46% tariffs. But Macron didn't just highlight the bullying by Trump.

Macron also spoke about the belligerence shown by Chinese President, Xi Jinping, and pointed out the shortcomings in both Washington’s and Beijing’s approach to Vietnam. Macron then pitched trade with Europe as a third way for Southeast Asia, but will his pitch work?