Macron's Taiwan comments spark controversy and backlash.

French President Emmanuel Macron defended his comments on Europe's relationship with the US amid escalating tensions with China over Taiwan, stating that "being an ally does not mean being a vassal." Macron has faced pushback over his comments suggesting that Europeans must not be "followers" of the US. The Biden administration has remained quiet in response to Macron's comments during his trip to China, but Republicans have condemned them. Macron has also faced protests in France over a controversial change to the nation's pension program.