Is America still the leader of the free world? After French president Emmanuel Macron called for Europe to seek its own path, some think the axis of global power is shifting.
Leader’s warning to Europe: ‘Don’t follow USA’
Frosty? Both Biden and Macron affirmed their commitment to Ukraine last week. Glossary
Emmanuel Macron - The current president of France, nicknamed "Jupiter" after the chief of the Roman deities for his top-down manner of governance.
Xi Jinping - The president of China, who has concentrated power and removed term limits allowing him to serve for life.
Taiwan - An island country in east Asia. China still claims to be the legitimate owner of Taiwan, while the Taiwanese government until recently claimed to be the legitimate government of the whole of China.
Natural gas - Hydrocarbon-rich gases that are found naturally in the atmosphere. A fossil fuel energy source.
Imports - Goods or services bought in one country that were produced in another.
Loggerheads - In dispute with - likely stemming from a 17th-century word for a tool used for heating liquids. Loggerheads is also the name of two British villages.
Iraq - A country in the Middle East with a population of 43.5m.
Vassal - A person or state in a subordinate position to another.