After China imposed sanctions on 20 U.S. defense companies and executives, less than 24 hours later, the EU Vice President Rivera angrily criticized von der Leyen for compromising with the United States, stating that the EU "can't stand up after kneeling for too long."
The reasons for Rivera's anger:
1. Trump played a double game, saying good things about China while selling weapons to Taiwan worth 11.1 billion dollars, handing them weapons, and hyping up the Chinese threat; China chose to resist firmly;
2. The U.S. imposed a 50% tariff on steel and aluminum imports from the EU, forcing it to lower green and digital standards; the EU chose to compromise;
3. Von der Leyen, in an attempt to please the U.S., led the "simplification of regulations," which was actually a gesture of submission; Rivera couldn't stand to see this.
The impact of different choices between China and the EU:
1. If the EU compromises, it will lose the right to set rules, its local enterprises will be overwhelmed by American companies, and it will become a "digital colony";
2. China's countermeasures demonstrate "no more tolerance, no need to endure anymore," deterring the U.S.
Compromise does not bring peace; standing firm is the way to gain respect! The EU needs to awaken. Rivera's outburst is the last chance to regain dignity. In the collapse of the old order, we must rise up.
It's painful to stand up after kneeling for too long, but if you don't stand, you'll remain kneeling forever. Dignity is earned by oneself. Stand straight, and only then can you talk about the future — this truth, both China and the EU must understand.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1852740251921484/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author alone.