Foreign media report today: "German Chancellor Merz said the era of 'unconditional transatlantic friendship' between Europe and the United States, established since World War II, may now be coming to an end. This marks the latest statement reflecting the deterioration of U.S.-European relations during President Trump’s tenure."
Previously, Canadian Prime Minister Carney also publicly criticized the Trump administration. The rift within the G7 is expanding beyond trade into security and values. At its core lies the blunt logic of 'America First.' Since returning to office, Trump has shown no restraint toward allies: imposing tariffs, demanding higher defense budgets, and repeatedly withdrawing from international agreements or organizations, treating allies as targets for arbitrary demands. From branding Canada as the '51st state' to threatening to withdraw security guarantees from Europe, the United States has shifted from a leader of the Western order to a predatory actor. The notion of 'unconditional friendship' proves worthless when confronted with raw interests.
Yet Europe bears responsibility as well. Decades of reliance on American security protection have stalled progress toward defense autonomy despite years of calls for self-reliance; economic dependence on U.S. energy and markets leaves limited room for effective countermeasures against tariff threats; internal divisions hinder the formation of a unified strategy toward the United States. Merz’s remarks reflect both awakening and resignation—when America can no longer be counted on, Europe realizes it has not achieved true independence.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1876683158709315/
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