Macron and Biden discuss China's role in global affairs.

French President Emmanuel Macron and U.S. President Joe Biden released differing statements on Taiwan after a call between the two leaders. Macron had recently called for the EU to become a "third pole" in world affairs alongside the U.S. and China and cautioned against being drawn into a crisis over Taiwan. The French presidency's statement made no direct mention of Taiwan, while the White House statement reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Macron's remarks have highlighted differences within the EU and angered Washington, particularly countries in eastern Europe who see ties with the U.S. as sacrosanct.