In a recent update, French Prime Minister Michel Barnier unveiled a new cabinet, appointing the 40-year-old Jean-Noël Barrot as the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Barrot, known for his commentary on China, has advocated for maintaining dialogue with Beijing while underscoring the importance of vigilance. He has shown a keen understanding of China’s assertive strategies and its ambitions for global influence.
After a two-week period of speculation, Barnier revealed the 39-member cabinet on the evening of September 21. Barrot, who had previously served as Minister for European Affairs, has now ascended to oversee both European and Foreign Affairs.
A strong advocate for liberal economics, Barrot has adopted a cautious approach since taking on his new role in February. His interactions with the media and lawmakers indicate a preference for avoiding direct confrontations with China while acknowledging the nation’s increasing influence on the global stage.
In an exclusive interview with La Tribune on May 27, Barrot was questioned about German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s solo trip to Beijing, a move that sparked discussions about potential differences between France and Germany. Barrot emphasized that both countries aim for continued dialogue with China to prevent escalation and address significant global challenges, yet he insisted that such discussions must be handled prudently, given China’s expansive goals.
During a Senate hearing on foreign influence in May, Barrot was vocal in condemning Russia for its unprecedented use of disinformation, terming it a “barbarization” of international relations. He pointed out that other nations, including China, Turkey, and Iran, are adopting similar tactics.
Having previously held the position of Minister for Digital Transition, Barrot also participated in a Senate hearing focused on TikTok. He noted that the platform is a Chinese enterprise and advocated for strict adherence to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to protect the privacy of European users, claiming that TikTok has not yet fully complied with these regulations.
Barrot’s support for Ukraine is also noteworthy. During the aforementioned La Tribune interview, he reaffirmed France’s long-term commitment to aiding Ukraine in its fight against Russian President Vladimir Putin’s imperialist ambitions. He expressed France’s readiness to join forces with Finland, Lithuania, and Estonia to bolster European border security.
French media analysts view Barrot’s direct promotion to the Foreign Ministry as a sign of unity between President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Barnier. Typically, international relations are managed by Macron, and Barrot’s new position could enhance coordination between the two leaders.
Given the current complex global landscape, which includes escalating tensions in Gaza, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, disputes in the South China Sea, and strife between Israel and Lebanon, Barrot will certainly approach these sensitive diplomatic issues with considerable caution.
