On the second day of the Munich Security Conference, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reassured European allies that Washington remains committed to the transatlantic partnership.
Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for pragmatic cooperation with the United States and warned against attempts to separate Taiwan from China.
Addressing world leaders and security officials in Munich, Marco Rubio emphasized that the interests of the United States and Europe are deeply intertwined.
“In a time of headlines heralding the end of the transatlantic era, let it be known and clear to all that this is neither our goal nor our wish,” Rubio said. “For us Americans, our home may be in the western hemisphere, but we will always be a child of Europe.”
He added that the US does not want separation but seeks to breathe new life into old friendships and pave the way for a new century of shared prosperity with Europe.
Call for stronger European defense
Rubio made it clear that Washington does not want to see its allies weakened. Instead, he said, the US wants its allies to be capable of defending themselves.
“We want allies to be able to defend themselves,” he stressed, underscoring the importance of a stronger and more self-reliant Europe.
Although his address was described as relatively well received, it was notably short on specifics. Rubio did not mention Russia, often viewed as Europe’s main geopolitical challenge, nor did he reference NATO directly during his roughly half-hour speech.
Contrast with past US messaging
Rubio’s tone stood in contrast to remarks delivered at the same conference a year earlier by Vice President JD Vance. At that time, Vance argued that the greatest threat to Europe stemmed from censorship and democratic backsliding rather than external actors such as Russia.
Rubio’s speech instead focused on reassurance and unity amid speculation about the future of the transatlantic alliance.
China calls for pragmatic US policy
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also addressed the Munich Security Conference, urging Washington to adopt a “positive and pragmatic” policy toward Beijing.
He said that the US’s gesture of respect toward China was encouraging and that cooperation between the two powers would yield the best results.
“The other prospect is seeking decoupling from China and severing supply chains and opposing China on everything in a purely emotional, knee-jerk way,” Wang warned.
Wang Yi cautioned that any attempt to separate Taiwan from China would result in conflict.
“China does not want conflict; it wants cooperation,” he said, adding that Beijing remains ready to deal with risks and threats if necessary.
He also noted that some elements in the US adopt an aggressive narrative against China, but reiterated that EU-China relations are not the result of anyone’s rivalry.
Freedom not for granted
Also speaking at the conference, the German chancellor said that the international rules-based system “no longer exists” and warned that Europe’s freedom can no longer be taken for granted. He added that it is not possible to uphold principles such as freedom of expression and free markets while simultaneously supporting certain US policies.
The German leader also revealed that a joint European nuclear program is being considered. French President Emmanuel Macron said it is time for Europe to emerge as a true geopolitical power.
Global leaders gather
The Munich Security Conference once again brought together global leaders and policymakers to discuss pressing security challenges.
As geopolitical tensions continue to shape international relations, the speeches by Rubio and Wang Yi highlighted both the desire for renewed alliances and the underlying rivalries shaping the global order.
