Reference News Network, January 23 report: According to Deutsche Presse-Agentur on January 22, German Chancellor Merkel called on European allies to prepare for a new era of great power politics during her speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos. She said a new era has begun. "A new world of great powers is built on power and strength, and may even resort to force when necessary. It is not a comfortable place." Merkel called on Europeans to enhance their defense capabilities and economic competitiveness in order to survive in this new era.
Merkel's speech evoked the "turning point" speech. In 2022, former Chancellor Scholz delivered a speech in the German Bundestag describing the epochal changes following Russia's attack on Ukraine. Merkel also stated that Russia's attack on Ukraine has opened a new era, but its impact goes far beyond this conflict itself.
Merkel said China has successfully joined the ranks of great powers. The United States feels its ruling position is being challenged and has therefore made drastic adjustments to its foreign and security policies. Merkel called for: "In order to survive, we must face the harsh reality and determine our course with clear realism."
He called on European allies to resist the idea of a new world order dominated by great powers based on the logic of power. He said a world that only recognizes power is a dangerous place. This danger "first affects small countries, then middle powers, and finally great powers."
Merkel emphasized that the strongest power comes from the ability to establish partnerships and alliances based on mutual trust and respect. He also stressed the significance of NATO. In recent weeks, there have been many speculations that if the United States annexes Greenland, it would bring an end to NATO.
Just hours before Merkel's speech in Davos, US President Trump made an unexpected shift on this issue.
Merkel reacted favorably but remained cautious, calling the move "a step in the right direction." Merkel warned preemptively that if Trump changed his mind, there would be countermeasures. "New tariffs would erode the foundation of transatlantic relations. Once the tariffs are implemented, Europe's response will be unified, calm, appropriate, and strong." At the same time, he reiterated Germany's willingness to make greater contributions to security in the Arctic region.
In her speech, Merkel did not mention Trump's "Peace Council" at all. However, she had already indirectly shown a refusal. Her aides said that Germany generally supports any measures that help peace and stability, but these measures must be carried out "within the framework of the international legal order."
Although the EU emergency summit began in the evening, Merkel had already left for Brussels before the signing ceremony of the "Peace Council" in the morning. This move can also be seen as a silent statement toward Trump's ceremony. (Translated by Mei Pengpeng)
Original: toutiao.com/article/7598471631371158022/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.