Macron's Taiwan stance raises eyebrows and concerns.

A senior Taiwanese politician has expressed puzzlement over comments made by French President Emmanuel Macron on Taiwan, questioning whether France's founding ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity are now out of fashion. Macron cautioned against being drawn into a crisis over Taiwan driven by an "American rhythm and a Chinese overreaction" and called for the European Union to reduce its dependence on the United States and to become a "third pole" in world affairs alongside Washington and Beijing. Taiwan's foreign ministry sought to downplay Macron's remarks, though said they had "noted" what he said.