Macron shows differences with Trump in address to Congress

Trade: "We need a free and fair trade for sure," Macron said, but added "a commercial war opposing allies is not consistent with our mission, with our history, with our current commitments for global security." He called for differences on trade imbalances and over capacity to be worked out through the World Trade Organization, the opposite approach to Trump's threats of tariff wars. "We wrote these rules. We should follow them," he said.

Global warming: He borrowed Trump's 2016 election theme of "Make America Great Again": "Let us work together in order to make our planet great again and create new jobs and new opportunities while safeguarding our Earth.

"I believe in building a better future for our children, which requires offering them a planet that is still habitable in 25 years," he said. "There is no planet B."

At one point, he expressed confidence that the United States would ultimately rejoin the Paris climate agreement.

Iran nuclear agreement: On Tuesday Trump described it as "insane". Macron said that he and Trump had agreed to seek a new deal on Iran's nuclear program to counter the perceived threat from Tehran's missile program, regional influence and eventual nuclear activity when the current deal expires. But he warned that the United States and France should also honor the existing pact.

"We signed it at the initiative of the United States," he said. "That is why we cannot say we should rid of it like that. France will not leave the JCPOA because we signed it." He said that "Iran shall never possess any nuclear weapons. Not now. Not in five years. Not in 10 years. Never."

Isolationism: "We can choose isolationism, withdrawal and nationalism. This is an option. It can be tempting to us as a temporary remedy to our fears," Macron said. "But closing the door to the world will not stop the evolution of the world."

He said no one should take transatlantic ties or common values for granted, warning that liberal internationalism was under siege.

"Other powers with the strongest strategy and ambition will then fill the void we would leave empty. Other powers will not hesitate once again to advocate their own model to shape the 21st century world order, Macron said.

"Personally, if you ask me, I do not share the fascination for new strong powers, the abandonment of freedom and the illusion of nationalism."

aiheping@chinadailyusa.com