Nuclear, defense, space, AI: why Emmanuel Macron is visiting Japan and South Korea

In Japan and South Korea from March 31 to April 3, Emmanuel Macron is seeking to strengthen France’s Indo-Pacific strategy in a context of increased international tensions. From technological cooperation to economic issues and global security, this trip aims to reinforce key partnerships in Asia and assert a balanced diplomacy against major powers.

Far from the national debates post-municipal elections, Emmanuel Macron is traveling to Asia, first to Japan and then to South Korea from March 31 to April 3. This trip comes amidst a dense geopolitical sequence marked by overlapping crises and reshuffling international balances. In this context, France aims to affirm its Indo-Pacific strategy by consolidating alliances with two major partners in the region. The President will meet with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.

According to the Elysée Palace, this trip first aims to “continue developing ambitious partnerships in the Indo-Pacific” and structure a Europe-Asia alliance around diplomatic, economic, and security convergences. This ambition extends the French doctrine of a power of balance, rejecting a binary alignment between the United States and China.

Context: Macron’s visit to Japan and South Korea is part of France’s broader diplomatic strategy to strengthen its position in the Indo-Pacific region.

Fact Check: Macron’s visit marks the first French presidential visit to South Korea since 2015, highlighting the significance of the trip in diplomatic relations with the country.

In Japan, where the President is making his fourth visit since 2017, the focus is on strengthening an “exceptional partnership” based on long-standing strategic convergences. In a deteriorating security environment, Paris and Tokyo, both G7 members, are deepening their defense cooperation.

Economic aspects are central to the visit. Discussions will revolve around disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, space, and decarbonization. Japan emerges as a key partner, with over 17,000 French nationals residing there by 2025. French imports to Japan amount to 8.4 billion euros, French investments reach 19.5 billion euros by 2024, while Japanese investments in France total 13.4 billion euros.

Several meetings with top business leaders are planned, including those from SoftBank, Iwatani, and Horiba. Approximately sixty agreements and partnerships are expected to be concluded or highlighted.

Meanwhile, cooperation in the civil nuclear sector is a key aspect of the bilateral partnership. Inheriting from the 1970s, this cooperation covers the entire nuclear fuel cycle based on a shared vision of the closed fuel cycle. According to the Elysée, this sector will see new agreements and a joint statement. Space cooperation is another important lever in the Franco-Japanese rapprochement.

Fact Check: The strategic discussions during Macron’s visit will also address major international crises such as the war in Ukraine, the situation in North Korea, and tensions in the Middle East, with the aim of coordinating responses.

After Japan, the state visit to South Korea marks a significant political step. As the first French presidential visit since 2015, it coincides with the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Seoul stands out as a key partner in future sectors, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and low-carbon technologies.

The economic relationship between France and South Korea reflects this growing influence. Bilateral trade reaches 8.4 billion euros by 2025, and French investments in South Korea amount to 5.2 billion euros. France is now the third-largest European supplier to the country, with its economic presence supported by 220 active subsidiaries employing nearly 33,000 people.

The goal, according to the Elysée, is to elevate the bilateral relationship to “a new level of ambition,” enhancing industrial and technological cooperation. Around 350 companies are expected to participate in a French-Korean economic forum in Seoul, with the President meeting leaders from Samsung and Hyundai Motor.

Strategic aspects will also be discussed, addressing major international crises such as the war in Iran, the situation in North Korea, and tensions in the Middle East. Securing the Strait of Hormuz will also be on the agenda, crucial for Japan and South Korea depending on oil imports from the Middle East.

Lastly, this visit underscores a consistent element of French foreign policy: the assertion of a lasting presence in the Indo-Pacific region. With 7,000 deployed military personnel in the area and a strategy focused on defense, connectivity, multilateralism, and the environment, Paris claims a status of leading power and initiative.