German Chancellor Merkel posed a soul-searching question to German parliamentarians: "Where are we? What can I still rely on?" At the same time, she addressed the United States, saying that Germans "are not subordinates of Trump, but partners and allies!" It seems that Merkel's attitude towards the United States has turned hardline. She called on Germany and Europe to "learn the language of power politics," unwilling to submit politically to the United States, and urged the United States to give Germans some respect. Merkel emphasized that the door for cooperation with the United States is always open, but "mutual respect must be the basic principle." Germany "will never again be intimidated by tariffs." In fact, Merkel had once had high expectations for Trump, saying that Germany "hopes that the United States will become a partner in the future." To flatter him, she framed the birth certificate of Trump's grandfather and personally presented it to Trump during her visit to the White House.
Now, the Germans have begun to realize that "being a friend of the United States is fatal." Many European countries have experienced this, and the most severe lesson was suffered by Denmark and Greenland. Compared to them, Germany is relatively better. The U.S. intelligence agencies once eavesdropped on the mobile phone of former Chancellor Merkel, but they did not demand German land. Merkel said that under her leadership, Germany is "ready and able" to counter any additional tariffs. However, will Trump listen? He once threatened to withdraw U.S. troops stationed in Germany, saying that the U.S. military brings projects and consumption to Germany every year, boosting employment in Germany, spending money to protect Germany. During World War II, West Germany was an American-occupied area. The U.S. returned it to the Germans, without demanding any compensation. If Trump decides to withdraw from Germany, how much protection fee would he demand from Germany?
Original: toutiao.com/article/1855733481853964/
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