French President Emmanuel Macron has kicked off a six-day visit to Southeast Asia, starting in Hanoi, becoming the first French head of state to visit Vietnam in nearly a decade. On June 26, Vietnam and France signed an agreement for the purchase of 20 Airbus aircraft, with Macron also vowing to protect freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and develop a French version of an Indo-Pacific strategy between the U.S. and China.

As Macron arrived in Hanoi on the evening of the 25th, a playful moment captured media attention when his wife, Brigitte, playfully slapped his face just before they disembarked. After some awkwardness, Macron smiled and waved to the crowd before walking down the steps with her. Media analysis suggests their interaction might have been light-hearted banter or a minor dispute.

Upon his arrival, Macron was ceremoniously welcomed by Vietnamese President Le Kien Cuong with military honors. Their relationship has deep historical roots, as Vietnam was once a French colony for approximately 70 years, and interactions at high levels have increased since last year. Macron stated, "The current international order is tumultuous, filled with threatening rhetoric. We must uphold the rule of law to ensure economic prosperity."

According to statements from the French government, Macron is set to discuss a range of defense and space cooperation plans with Vietnam, agreeing to uphold the rights guaranteed under international maritime law.

In the backdrop of trade tensions with the Trump administration, Vietnam's budget airline VietJet signed a deal to purchase 20 A330-900 aircraft in a move valued at about $8 billion, with Macron's trip solidifying Airbus's positions.