France Seeks Greater Autonomy By Building ‘Coalition of Independents’ During Visit to Far East
Visit
From 31 March to 2 April 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron was in Japan, and from 2 to 3 April 2026, he was in South Korea. President Macron sought to build an alliance of middle powers or a ‘coalition of independents’, as he likes to call it. The three countries exchanged views on the current crisis in the Middle East, explored the deepening of security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, and inked several agreements in various fields.
Middle East
The Parties called for a ceasefire and the prompt reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Both Japan and South Korea rely heavily on hydrocarbons from the Middle East and are thus extremely concerned about an impending #EnergyCrisis. All sides call for the upholding of multilateralism and the privileging of dialogue in resolving differences.
Indo-Pacific
Japan and France agree to conduct more joint military exercises in the Indo-Pacific. Both sides see China’s rise with some concern, and Japan has experienced more tense ties with China recently.
Defense
Japan and South Korea already have a strong defense partnership with the US and most of their military hardware is made in America. Nevertheless, that did not stop Macron to pitch French military technology, although no contract was officially announced.
G7
France is hosting the G7 Summit in 2026 and both sides reiterated their commitment to make the Evian event, in June, a success. Macron seized the opportunit to extend an invitation to South Korean President Lee Jae-myung to attend #G7Summit2026 hosted by France.
Critical Minerals
Japan and France will cooperate in the Caremag Rare Earth Refining Project. The Project aims to secure key rare earth elements (REE) such as Disprosium and Terbium, that are essential for the #EnergyTransition and for defense applications. The car industry in France, Japan and South Korea needs #CriticalMinerals to produce vehicles, and there appears to be some scope for cooperation in securing and diversifying sources.
Civil Nuclear
In light of the high risk of an energy crisis, both countries are contemplating stepping up their nuclear energy program. Thus, both sides agreed to collaborate on fast reactors and spent fuel recycling, where France can share its expertise with Japan.
Space Technology
France and Japan will partner to undertake space debris removal. Macron even paid a visit to a Japanese company, Astroscale, specialized in this particular task.
Encryption Technolgy
Japan and France will work together to further research and development of encryption technology based on DNA.
Artificial Intelligence
All sides agreed to hold regular dialogue on AI innovation, security and governance.
Culture
In South Korea, Macron visited the Centre Pompidou Hanwha and had dinner with K-pop stars to celebrate the 140th anniversary of France-Korea diplomatic ties.
Takeaways
From the agreements signed, it is clear that Japan and France are graduating from a trade-centric cooperation to a techno-centric partnership. In a tumultuous world fractured along China and the USA, middle powers such as France, Japan and South Korea need to join hands to build greater autonomy.