French president lauds ‘predictability’ of Europe in JapanAFP, TOKYOFrench President Emmanuel Macron yesterday praised Europe’s “predictability” during a visit to Japan, contrasting it with countries that “could hurt you without even informing you” in an apparent swipe at US President Donald Trump. Trump on Tuesday wrote on social media that Paris had been “very unhelpful” during the war with Iran. “That’s not bad, in times like these, believe me.”French President Emmanuel Macron, left, and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi shake hands at a news conference in Tokyo yesterday. This is why ... we both advocate the return to peace, to a ceasefire, to calm, and to the free movement of people and goods through the Strait of Hormuz,” he said. Takaichi echoed his words, saying the two leaders had agreed “on the importance of ensuring the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, maintaining a stable supply of essential materials and calming the situation as soon as possible.”

Source: Taipei Times April 01, 2026 17:02 UTC