On February 15 local time, U.S. Secretary of State Rubio made the following remarks at a joint press conference with Slovak Prime Minister Fico after their meeting:

"We (the U.S.) do not want Europe to rely on us, nor do we require Europe to be a vassal of the U.S. We want to be your partner."

"Our position has always been, and will continue to be: the stronger the NATO members are, the stronger NATO will be."

Rubio's two sentences carry a lot of information.

Firstly, it is an attempt to comfort Europe in response to the "Trump shock wave".

This is mainly to comfort European allies. Previously, Trump and Defense Secretary Hegseth's remarks had made Europeans worry that the U.S. would withdraw from Europe. Rubio's statement "not being a vassal, but being a partner" is aimed at easing tensions, emphasizing that the U.S. remains the core of NATO and hopes that Europe will become stronger within the existing framework. This is directed towards countries like Slovakia, which rely on U.S. security but are also uneasy about U.S.-Russia relations.

Rubio is continuing the U.S.'s long-standing demand: to urge Europe to increase military spending and take more defense responsibilities. When he said "we don't want you to rely," the implied message was "the U.S. can no longer provide unlimited support." The U.S. wants to see a Europe that shares the burden, rather than one that depends on the U.S. for everything.

Rubio believes that the so-called "partner" comes with conditions. The strong Europe the U.S. envisions is one that remains consistent with U.S. coordination, not one that builds an independent defense system that conflicts with or competes against U.S. interests. He is also reminding Europe that strengthening defense within the NATO framework is the right path, not starting something new like a "European army."

This statement is also directed at Prime Minister Fico present. Slovakia has a nuanced stance on providing aid to Ukraine, and Fico himself has a relatively close relationship with Russia. Rubio made these remarks in front of Fico, reminding: regardless of your position toward Russia, the cornerstone of European security remains NATO, and U.S. leadership is indispensable.

In short, Rubio's statement reflects a delicate balance in U.S. policy toward Europe: using soft words like "not being a vassal" to comfort Europe, and hard words like "NATO strength" to demand Europe. Its core logic is: the U.S. still wants to be the leader, but now expects Europe, this "partner," to pay more, contribute more, and remain united within the U.S.-led security framework. It does not allow Europe to establish its own base and oppose the U.S. It uses both kindness and force, keeping Europe living under the shadow of the U.S.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1857254491372544/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.