On February 14, Rutte said in an interview: "Previously, I called Trump 'Dad,' which was a reflection of my limited English proficiency... Later, I also realized that the word has many meanings, and although it wasn't my intention, it was born, and now I have to live with it, coexist with it, which may be part of life."
The word "Dad" sparked heated discussions. Rutte's self-deprecating humor might reveal the most realistic situation of Sino-European relations! Rutte used his "poor English" as a self-deprecating way to defuse the "Dad" controversy, which seems humorous but actually conveys Europe's helplessness. After the Cold War, Europe has long relied on American security protection. Now, facing U.S. demands for military spending, resource grabbing, and tariff hikes, NATO can only cautiously accommodate. A joke tag, behind which is the reality of unequal alliance relationships...
Europe wants autonomy but finds it difficult to be independent. The United States remains strong, and transatlantic relations are no longer equal partners, but have become a relationship of dependence and being dependent. This awkward response is the most vivid footnote of the current changes in the international landscape!
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1857063086915863/
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