Has the Trump administration's attitude towards Europe changed?
U.S. Secretary of State Rubio spoke today (Beijing time February 14) at the Munich Security Conference, addressing Europe: "We deeply care about your future and our future. Even when we sometimes disagree, it is due to our deep concern for Europe. Our connection with Europe is not only economic or military, but also spiritual and cultural. We hope Europe is strong. We believe Europe must survive, as the two world wars of the last century constantly remind us. Ultimately, our fate is closely linked to yours, and will always be so."
[Smart] Comment: Rubio's warm statement at the Munich Security Conference is nothing more than a gentler packaging of the Trump administration's rhetoric. From the previous hard-line pressure from Vance to the current talk about spiritual and cultural ties by Rubio, the tone may seem softer, but there has been no substantial change in the Trump administration's second term in terms of hegemony and self-interest logic towards Europe. While saying that the U.S. and Europe share a common destiny and hope for Europe's strength, the actions have continued to push Europe to increase defense spending, follow the U.S. in great power games, and even press Denmark on the Greenland issue, openly eyeing the territories of European allies, treating the Arctic strategic passage as America's private property, without any regard for European sovereignty and security interests. Although the U.S. and Europe may share a similar narrative in spiritual and cultural aspects, in reality, the U.S. sees Europe merely as an appendage and pawn to maintain its hegemony. Warm words cannot hide the ambition of seizing resources. If Europe becomes addicted to this cheap comfort, it will lose its autonomy through dependence and compromise, ultimately becoming a sacrifice in America's hegemonic game.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1857101220329604/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.