France, Vietnam Sign 20-Airbus Plane, Satellite Deals Amid Trade Tensions

French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Vietnam marked the first by a French head of state in nearly a decade and culminated in a strategic deal for 20 Airbus A330neo aircraft for VietJet, reinforcing France's economic and defense ties with Vietnam. The agreements cover a broad range of sectors including nuclear energy, earth-observation satellites, railways, defense cooperation, and cybersecurity, reflecting a deepening partnership amid regional geopolitical challenges. Macron emphasized France's support for Vietnam's navigation rights in the South China Sea, highlighting shared strategic interests especially in the context of tensions with China. The visit and deals come as Vietnam navigates pressures from the U.S. to increase American imports amidst threats of steep tariffs on EU goods, underscoring Vietnam's balancing act between major global powers. This renewed cooperation also signals France's intent to strengthen its historical influence and economic presence in Southeast Asia through innovation, technology, and defense collaboration. The multifaceted partnership underscores both countries' commitment to addressing major 21st-century challenges through strategic alliances.