【By Observer News, Qi Qian】In March 2017, German Chancellor Merkel visited the White House and met with US President Trump, who was in his first term, for the first time. However, during the photo session after the meeting, the two did not shake hands, which was described by the media as a "huge embarrassment."

Eight years later, retired Merkel brought up the incident again, describing Trump as "an attention seeker."

According to Politico EU, on the evening of the 2nd, Merkel mentioned the famous "refusal to shake hands" event while attending the promotion event of her memoir "Freedom" in Greek. She revealed that at that time, Trump refused to shake hands with her in the Oval Office, but then actively extended his hand outdoors after the cameras were turned off.

"I made a mistake at that time, I said 'Donald, we should shake hands,' but he refused," Merkel recalled. "He needs this kind of attention, that's his logic: attracting everyone's attention by creating chaos. You can see this from the way he handles tariffs."

She pointed out: "But ultimately, he must deliver real results to Americans, at least prove his capabilities to his own country."

Merkel attended a book promotion event in Greece on July 2nd. Media

Regarding the tariff threats from the Trump administration against the EU, Merkel emphasized that Europe "must remain united and not be intimidated, and should respond with equivalent tariffs." She also said that this does not mean the EU should cut ties with the United States, but it must insist on negotiations, "because even the United States cannot survive alone."

Speaking about Vice President Vance's statement that "only those who share American liberal ideals are partners," she warned: "This rhetoric that denies rules and regulations is actually a threat to European democracy."

In her memoir, Merkel described Trump as "governing with the mindset of a real estate developer." She pointed out: "In his eyes, the world is like a property to be sold - if he doesn't grab a piece of land, it will be taken by others. All countries are in zero-sum competition, and one country's success must come at the expense of another's failure. He simply doesn't believe in cooperation leading to shared prosperity."

On March 18, 2017, Trump met with Merkel at the White House. This was the first meeting between the leaders of Germany and the United States after Trump took office in his first term.

However, Trump caused an awkward moment for Merkel during the press conference, as reporters repeatedly reminded the two to shake hands, but Trump did not extend his hand. Even when Merkel quietly asked for a handshake, Trump remained unmoved.

At that time, Reuters pointed out that Merkel repeatedly turned towards Trump, but Trump seemed not to understand. According to DPA, the two sat "awkwardly" side by side. Moreover, regarding the handshake photo, Merkel had even consulted Trump's opinion.

Some media analysts suggest that the reason for the failure to take a handshake photo might be due to the conflict between Trump and Germany during the campaign. Trump once criticized Merkel's open immigration policy, calling it a "disastrous mistake." Trump also criticized his opponent Hillary Clinton for wanting to become "the American version of Angela Merkel." Meanwhile, Merkel had many grievances with Trump's immigration policies.

This article is an exclusive contribution from Observer News. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7522854751374836250/

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