China-US ‘rivalry’ shouldn’t dominate world
World leaders must not let themselves be dominated by a power struggle between the US and China, French President Emmanuel Macron has told the UN, calling for a "modern new consensus" on tackling global challenges.
"The world today cannot be reduced to the rivalry between China and the United States, irrespective of the global weight of these great powers," Macron told the UN General Assembly by video on Tuesday.
Borrowing a term that describes a duet in ballet, he said: "We do not have to settle for a 'pas de deux' that would make us only the rueful spectators of a collective powerlessness."
Macron has already warned that Washington's retreat from the global stage will require Europe to forge its own common defense strategy, and reduce its alliance on key technologies currently supplied by US or Chinese giants.
"The complete dependence on certain powers, with regards to technologies, food or industry, creates vulnerabilities that no longer allow the balances that go hand in hand with global stability," Macron told the UN.
The coronavirus crisis, he warned, has further undermined support for multilateralism and encouraged the willingness of some nations to ignore UN injunctions or international law.
"There will surely be a cure one day for this pandemic. But there will not be a miracle cure for this destruction of the contemporary order," he said.
"Multilateralism is not simply an act of faith -- it's an operational necessity," he said. "No country will get out of this ordeal on its own."
Earlier, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, opening the General Assembly, warned of the risks of rising tensions between the United States and China.
"We must do everything to avoid a new Cold War," Guterres said.
His comment came before US and China leaders addressed the UN virtually and presented a conflicting world view at a time when the world is full of existential crises.
Xi Jinping warned against the perils of a "clash of civilizations" after Trump angrily cast blame on China over the coronavirus pandemic and urged UN to hold it accountable.
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