Emphasizing military power, mentioning the United States and China, Macron's speech during his visit to the UK calls for "saving Europe."

On the 8th local time, French President Emmanuel Macron began a three-day state visit to the United Kingdom. In a speech delivered to the UK Parliament, Macron stated that in this dangerous world, France and the UK will "save Europe" by defending democracy, law, and international order. He also mentioned the need to reduce "over-reliance" on China and the United States. According to Reuters, Macron is the first European leader invited to make a state visit to the UK since its "Brexit" in 2020, and it is rare for him to speak in both houses of the UK Parliament. The EU Dynamics Network also noted that addressing both houses of the UK Parliament is an extremely rare honor, and Macron chose the Royal Gallery for his speech, which, although attended by a smaller audience, is a more luxurious and solemn venue.

Reuters reported that this speech was one of the core activities of Macron's visit to the UK. Macron stated that as the only two nuclear-armed countries in Europe, the UK and France possess the main armed forces in the region, with their combined military budgets accounting for 40% of the total in Europe, and they should jointly and comprehensively assume the responsibility of maintaining European security. The industrial cooperation between the UK and France must reach a new level. He mentioned that the military cooperation agreement signed by the UK and France in 2010 has successfully provided a framework for defense cooperation between the two countries for the past 15 years. However, in light of threats such as "nuclear powers," "uncertain ally relationships," and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, it is necessary to significantly deepen military cooperation between the UK and France. Macron also stated that he would hold talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, during which they would discuss upgrading military cooperation in more detail, clearly committing to increasing the proportion of defense spending to GDP to 3.5% over the next few years, and working together to establish a solid "European pillar" within NATO, jointly promoting new joint projects, enhancing industrial synergy, and creating a more independent and stronger European defense system. In addition to defense cooperation, Macron also emphasized that the UK and France need to work together to strengthen Europe's influence, particularly in areas such as immigration, climate, and trade.

In addition to discussing cooperation, Macron also particularly emphasized unity and "independence" in his speech. According to Reuters, Macron stated, "The UK's choice to leave the EU does not mean it has left Europe." He claimed that the UK, after "Brexit," still belongs to Europe, and the relationship between France and the UK has a long history, necessitating a joint response to challenges.

The BBC reported that Macron also specifically mentioned that the UK and France should be wary of "over-reliance" on the United States and China, thereby "reducing economic and social risks in this regard." "We must free the UK and France from over-reliance on the US and China," Macron asserted, "If we continue to depend on both China and the US, the future for us and our descendants will be evident." He said, "We want an open world, we need cooperation, but not dependence." France's Le Monde commented that compared to Starmer's amicable relations with China and his consistent adherence to the "special relationship" with the US while avoiding public criticism of Trump, Macron's speech content appeared quite "bold." At the same time, due to the serious and lengthy style of his speech, several British MPs even dozed off According to reports, later on the evening of the 8th, King Charles III held a banquet for the Macron couple at Windsor Castle, attended by 160 guests, including politicians, diplomats, and other celebrities. The Associated Press stated that the French presidential couple received the highest level of ceremonial hospitality from the UK, which is in stark contrast to the cold relations in 2022—when then British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss remarked that it was "still undecided" whether Macron was a friend or an enemy to the UK. Several media outlets, including BBC and the Associated Press, mentioned that in addition to a rich variety of dishes, there was a cocktail named "Entente," which is derived from the "Entente Cordiale" signed between the UK and France in 1904. Al Jazeera reported that Charles III delivered a speech at the grand state banquet. Charles stated, "As we dine in this ancient place, filled with our shared history, allow me to raise a toast to France and our new relationship. It is not only about the past and present but also about the future relationship—no longer just a treaty, but now signifies friendship." Additionally, Charles mentioned that both countries face "complex threats from multiple directions." "As friends and allies, we will face these challenges together," Charles said.

On the 9th, the Associated Press reported that Macron met with Keir Starmer at the Prime Minister's Office at 10 Downing Street in London. The report stated that Starmer and Macron have been closely collaborating to garner support for Ukraine, although the two have differing attitudes towards U.S. President Trump: Macron is more willing to challenge the American president, while Starmer is more moderate. The UK and France have been leading efforts to establish an international peacekeeping force for Ukraine, planning to support a future ceasefire with European troops and equipment, along with U.S. security guarantees. However, Trump is not very interested in this idea, and a ceasefire remains a distant prospect.

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