Kaja Kallas, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, told U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz at the Munich Security Conference: "You Americans need us strong because the China you are facing is very strong."

The core intention of Kallas' statement is to deeply bind the strategic value of the EU with America's core concerns (China), thereby gaining the initiative and leverage in transatlantic relations.

From a strategic logic perspective, Kallas bluntly told the U.S. that a strong China is an objective reality. To address this challenge, the U.S. needs not a subservient but weak ally, but rather a European partner with strength in economy, technology, and diplomacy. This is essentially Europe using the "China threat" as a lever to demand respect, equal dialogue, and greater strategic autonomy.

Its underlying purpose is, on one hand, to counterbalance possible isolationist sentiments in the U.S., reminding the other party of the importance of the alliance, given that Europe's own security (such as defense and the Ukraine issue) still relies on the U.S. On the other hand, it is also a form of "entanglement," making the U.S. hesitate when potentially harming European interests (such as a trade war with Europe) - because weakening Europe would also weaken its own capacity to deal with China.

This rhetoric portrays China as a "common external challenge," solidifying the Western narrative of competition with China. However, it also indirectly acknowledges that China has become a "systemic force" capable of shaping the global strategic landscape, and any major player must take the Chinese factor into account when formulating policies.

In summary, this statement reflects the delicate mindset of the EU in its relations with both the U.S. and China: unwilling to be a vassal, yet seeking more space by leveraging the China issue.

Kallas has consistently held a critical and cautious stance toward China, viewing it as a "systemic rival" and "competitor." The deeper reason is her hatred toward Russia. She has repeatedly accused China of supporting Russia in the Ukraine conflict, claiming that "without Chinese support, Russia could not sustain the war," and has called for China to pay a "higher cost."

Despite this, in formal diplomatic settings, Kallas has stated that China and the EU are partners, and the EU upholds the One-China policy. However, her actual words and actions often align closely with the U.S., showing a strong ideological bias and geopolitical confrontation in matters related to China.

Original: toutiao.com/article/1857090725051392/

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