EmmanuelMacron's grand diplomatic project flounders

Politicians, diplomats and analysts on both sides of the Atlantic called the remarks tone-deaf and ill timed given the US has backed European security by bankrolling Ukraine's defence. At the press conference in Amsterdam, an exasperated-looking Macron tried to draw a line under the episode by explaining that France is for the status quo on Taiwan, remains a staunch ally of the US and wants Europe to present a united front on China. But he could not resist repeating a line that had enraged many of his European partners: "Being an ally does not mean being a vassal." For Francois…