A meeting between French President Emmanuel Macron and Chinese President Xi Jinping has sparked concerns from 'Special Report' panelists, who argue that it sends a "very bad" message to the rest of the world.
French President Emmanuel Macron's recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping has raised eyebrows among international observers, with some expressing concern that it sends a "very bad" message to the rest of the world.
During a panel discussion on Fox News's 'Special Report,' host Bret Baier and guests discussed the implications of the meeting, particularly in light of China's increasing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.
Macron's Meeting with Xi Sends 'Very Bad' Message, Warns Panelist
"This meeting sends a very bad signal to the rest of the world," said former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton. "It shows that Macron is willing to embrace China, even though China is a threat to our interests."
Other panelists echoed Bolton's sentiments, arguing that Macron's actions could embolden China and undermine Western efforts to counter its influence.
Macron's Meeting with Xi Sends 'Very Bad' Message, Warns Panelist
"China has been using its economic power to coerce other countries into doing its bidding," said former National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster. "By meeting with Xi, Macron is giving China a pass for its bad behavior."
The meeting between Macron and Xi took place on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Indonesia. The two leaders discussed a range of issues, including trade, climate change, and the war in Ukraine.
Macron's Meeting with Xi Sends 'Very Bad' Message, Warns Panelist
Macron has been a vocal critic of China's human rights record and its military expansion in the South China Sea. However, he has also emphasized the importance of maintaining a dialogue with China, which is France's second-largest trading partner.
Some analysts believe that Macron's meeting with Xi was an attempt to balance these competing interests. However, others argue that Macron's actions will ultimately undermine Western efforts to counter China's growing influence.
Macron's Meeting with Xi Sends 'Very Bad' Message, Warns Panelist
"By meeting with Xi, Macron is sending a signal that France is not fully committed to the West's Indo-Pacific strategy," said Bonnie Glaser, director of the Asia Program at the German Marshall Fund. "This could have far-reaching implications for the region."
The implications of Macron's meeting with Xi are still unfolding. However, it is clear that the meeting has raised concerns among Western allies, who are watching closely to see how Macron's actions will impact the global balance of power.
