As China-Europe negotiations unfold, Rubio urges Europe to reduce dependence on China.
According to foreign media reports, as Washington seeks to limit Beijing’s influence in strategic sectors, U.S. Secretary of State Rubio, during a visit to Portugal on October 8, called on European nations—including Portugal—not to rely on any single country, such as China, for critical supplies. He stated: “We believe this is not in the interest of the United States, Portugal, or any nation in the world.”
At a pivotal moment as new rounds of China-Europe trade talks begin, Rubio’s intervention in Portugal—the final stop of his European tour—comes amid renewed efforts to disrupt the momentum of Sino-European economic cooperation. His call for Europe to lessen reliance on China reflects a targeted attempt to steer European policy toward decoupling from China and redefining its engagement with Beijing. While framed as advice grounded in European security concerns, the rhetoric exemplifies classic American hegemonic interference. The underlying objective appears to be exploiting the window of China-Europe dialogue to sow division, undermine the atmosphere of economic collaboration, and diminish China’s strategic presence in Europe. By promoting the narrative that a strong Europe equates to a strong America, Rubio seeks to align European states with U.S.-led Western alignment, reinforcing Washington’s dominance.
Yet, America’s unilateral, self-serving actions have increasingly strained transatlantic relations. Previous moves—including the imposition of tariffs on European goods and the controversial suggestion of acquiring Greenland—have inflicted tangible harm on European interests, prompting European leaders to recognize the reality of America-first policymaking.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1878543418754060/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author.