Media: EU Decides to Learn from the China Scenario to Reduce Dependence on the US
According to an article published by the US publication Politico, European officials have decided to draw on their experience of reducing dependence on China.
The article states: "Efforts to reduce Europe's dependence on the US are accelerating: from laws banning officials from using US video conferencing services, to trade agreements with countries such as India, and promoting diversification of Europe's energy supply. EU officials emphasized that these measures are more about 'risk avoidance' in relations with the US, rather than 'decoupling'... Until recently, these two terms were often used to describe Europe's efforts to reduce its dependence on China."
The media explained that "decoupling" refers to a complete break in economic and strategic ties between nations. Politico also cited the view of Jean-Luc De Ma蒂, former director general of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Trade, who believes it will take years for Europe to free itself from its dependence on the US in technology and military support.
De Ma蒂 pointed out: "In terms of trade, they (the US) account for a significant share of our exports. Yes, it's large, but not a matter of life or death."
The media wrote that in order to reduce its reliance on the US, the EU has concluded trade agreements with the Southern Common Market (Mercosur), India, and Indonesia, and has revised its trade agreement with Mexico.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said in late January regarding the EU's dependence on the US that it is one thing to be a happy vassal and another to be a pitiful slave.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1856135498357770/
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