Macron calls on China to stop North Korea’s role in Ukraine to avoid NATO expansion

He made this statement at the Shangri-La defense summit in Singapore, Politico reports.

"North Korea in Ukraine is a big question for all of us. If China doesn’t want NATO to be involved in Southeast Asia, it should prevent [North Korea] from being engaged on European soil," Macron said.

At the same time, the French leader emphasized that he does not support NATO playing any role in Asia but hinted that Paris might reconsider this position.

Macron also warned against the spread of nuclear weapons and the potential collapse of the post-World War II world order. He called on Asian countries to remain independent from both the U.S. and China.

"France is attached to strategic autonomy, freedom of sovereignty. We defend this approach for Europe and for the Indo-Pacific," Macron said.

• Earlier, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that China, North Korea, and Iran are cooperating with Russia in the war against Ukraine in exchange for Russian assistance in strengthening their military capabilities.