### Macron Urges China to Curb North Korean Involvement in Ukraine Conflict

During a prominent defense summit in Singapore, French President Emmanuel Macron issued a firm warning to China regarding North Korea's involvement in Russia's war on Ukraine. Macron emphasized that if China fails to restrain North Korean activities in Europe, NATO might deepen its engagements in Asia.

"North Korea in Ukraine is a significant concern for all of us," Macron stated. "If China doesn't want NATO to be involved in Southeast Asia, it should prevent North Korea from being engaged on European soil." This statement was made during an address at the International Institute for Strategic Studies' Shangri-La Dialogue, which gathers leaders and defense officials globally.

Macron's comments reflect France's long-standing resistance to NATO's extension into Asian affairs. In 2023, Paris led efforts to block the establishment of a NATO liaison office in Japan, arguing against participating in another region's strategic competition. However, Macron hinted at a possible shift in France's position, noting, "I had objected to NATO having a role in Asia because I don't believe in being enrolled in someone else's strategic rivalry."

The French President's visit to Singapore capped off an Asian tour that included stops in Vietnam and Indonesia, resulting in several key agreements, including those related to defense. His speech in Singapore underscored the need for Asian nations to maintain independence from both the U.S. and China. "France is committed to strategic autonomy and the sovereignty of freedom," Macron declared. "This is the approach we advocate for Europe and the Indo-Pacific."

Macron's address also touched on broader concerns such as nuclear proliferation and the stability of the global order established post-World War II. The speech was attended by notable figures including U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and top EU diplomat Kaja Kallas, underlining the high-profile nature of the summit.

With North Korean troops reportedly aiding Russian forces in Ukraine's Kursk region, Macron’s remarks directed at China carry significant geopolitical weight. The alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang represents a critical point of contention, highlighting the complex interplay between regional and global security dynamics.