The agreement underscores France’s ambition to strengthen its economic and geopolitical influence in a former colony now grappling with the threat of punitive U.S. tariffs
France and Vietnam have signed a series of strategic agreements today, i.e., Monday, 26th May’25, including a major order for 20 Airbus aircraft, during French President – Emmanuel Macron’s official visit to Hanoi.
This is Macron’s first visit to the Southeast Asian nation and the first by a French President in nearly a decade. The agreement underscores France’s ambition to strengthen its economic and geopolitical influence in a former colony now grappling with the threat of punitive U.S. tariffs.
Macron’s visit, which also included agreements on cooperation in nuclear energy, rail infrastructure, cybersecurity, defence, space technology, and the supply of vaccines from French pharmaceutical major – Sanofi, aims to deepen the strategic partnership between the two nations. Vietnam recently upgraded ties with France to its highest diplomatic level.
Taking it to X, Macron posted (translated to English), “After a long journey, we arrive in Hanoi with the French delegation. First stage of a strategic tour to Vietnam, Indonesia and then Singapore. It is in this region of the Indo-Pacific that part of our future, for all of us, French women and men, is being played out. The major challenges of the century—climatic, economic, geopolitical—can only be met in cooperation with our partners, and particularly with this region of the world, a key crossroads of global trade, a hotbed of innovation, growth, and technology. This is why France is present and acting with its partners, through very concrete projects which benefit the region, our businesses and our common future. I come here to strengthen our ties in essential areas: defense, innovation, energy transition, cultural exchanges. Everywhere, I will say one simple thing: France is a power of peace and balance. It is a reliable partner, which believes in dialogue and cooperation. When some choose to withdraw, France chooses to build bridges.” Original post in French:
Après un long voyage, nous arrivons à Hanoï avec la délégation française.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) May 25, 2025
Première étape d’une tournée stratégique au Vietnam, en Indonésie puis à Singapour.
C’est dans cette région de l’Indopacifique que se joue une part de notre avenir à tous, Françaises et Français.… pic.twitter.com/xqyk88OPvz
The deals, signed during a period of mounting global trade friction, come just days after the President of the United States (U.S.) – Donald Trump, threatened to impose 50% duties on goods from the European Union (E.U.). Meanwhile, export-driven Vietnam faces its own tariff risks, having pledged in trade talks with Washington to ramp up purchases of U.S. products to avoid a 46% tariff wall.
The Airbus agreement is being closely watched amid diplomatic concerns in Brussels that Hanoi’s efforts to appease Washington, including potential orders for up to 250 Boeing jets, could undermine European commercial interests.
Airbus remains Vietnam’s dominant aircraft supplier, with its jets comprising 86% of the country’s commercial fleet. The company also signed a separate memorandum with Vietnam for future cooperation on earth-observation satellites, building on a legacy that dates back to the launch of the VNREDSat-1 satellite in 2013.
Macron said that France supports the freedom of navigation, a principle essential to regional stability, alluding to the contested waters of the South China Sea, where Vietnam frequently clashes with China. The President of Vietnam – Luong Cuong, echoed Macron’s remarks, emphasizing expanded strategic information-sharing and deeper cooperation in the defense industry, cybersecurity, and counterterrorism.
France ruled Vietnam for nearly 70 years until its exit in 1954, after its military got defeated at Dien Bien Phu in Northern Vietnam. Despite this colonial past, bilateral ties have evolved positively, particularly in trade, education, and cultural exchange.
The visit is part of Macron’s week-long trip to Asia, during which he will also travel to Indonesia and finish up in Singapore to speak at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia’s top defence conference.
