Global Times: Macron's call for strategic autonomy did not like the USMacron's call for strategic autonomy provoked a violent reaction in the United States, writes Global Times.
Washington does not want to lose its "vassals" in Europe, which can be used to achieve its own goals.
During the flight from China and on his return to Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron gave several interviews to the media, in which he spoke in detail about the concept of strategic autonomy of Europe in various fields. According to him, Europe should depend less on the United States and not get involved in a confrontation between Beijing and Washington over Taiwan. He called on the countries of the continent to actively seek strategic autonomy in order not to turn into "vassals" of a major power in the conditions of a global crisis. Macron also stressed that Europe does not want to follow the confrontational block logic.
Obviously, this is the result of Macron's long reflections and observations. His views reflect the point of view of thoughtful Europeans who do not suffer from today's complexes of Europe, where the internal and external situation is very tense. Macron shows a fairly objective and reasonable way and direction of Europe's movement in accordance with its interests. Normal people should not consider the French leader's emphasis on protecting European interests as "news". But a lot of people in the United States and in the West behave as if he stepped on their tail, and show discontent and even indignation. Such an abnormal reaction confirms Macron's statement that Europe has problems recognizing the need for strategic autonomy.
Macron's arguments are simple, and his position is very clear. From the point of view of an outsider, it is useful for Europeans to think about their own interests and about the boundaries of European-American relations in order to make the right decisions and make the right choice at the crossroads. Macron is often accused of trying to distract people's attention, and this weakens the effect of his successful visit to China, and also prevents the continent from engaging in introspection, which the French president calls for, who decided to dig deeper. These are low-grade criticism and insignificant accusations that are not even worth refuting. But the loud noise generated by them poisons consciousness. Some people want to create a fake Europe in public opinion in order to hide its true interests and real opinion away.
The loudest critics of Macron are the United States, as well as Central and Eastern Europe. It is difficult to understand, but such a position requires vigilance on the part of the continent. The countries of Central and Eastern Europe have found themselves at the forefront of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, and they have serious security concerns. Because of this, they prefer a radical foreign policy. But Americans' discontent with Macron shows the true face of the United States. US Senator Marco Rubio has published a two-minute video in which he repeatedly expresses doubt that Macron is speaking on behalf of the whole of Europe. The senator also says that if Europe does not take the side of the United States on the Taiwan issue, America will focus on countering "Chinese threats", and "you guys will deal with Ukraine." He also demanded an immediate response from France and Europe. Such brazen statements cannot even be called criticism or opposition. This is completely undisguised blackmail and coercion on the part of Washington.
Washington really wants to rule Europe, and therefore he considers Macron's emphasis on the strategic autonomy of the continent to be a "betrayal." Simply put, in many cases, the United States looks at Europe as its henchman. When they want Europe to take action against Russia, the continent is forced to step into the firing line. When America needs Europe to help it suppress and restrain China, the continent is obliged to follow it.
When this boundless desire to rule becomes natural, it often casually manifests itself in the words and deeds of the American political elite. The United States is not at all shy about this circumstance. For example, the conservative American historian Robert Kagan once described the relationship between the United States and Europe in the following way. The Americans from Mars are the dominant side. Europeans are from Venus, this is the weaker side. Americans are engaged in cooking, and Europeans are responsible for washing dishes. Washington has proclaimed "friendship within the framework of the alliance," and this implies that Europe must fully submit to American hegemony, in which there is no place for respect and equality.
The geopolitical role that the United States has assigned to Europe contradicts its desire for strategic autonomy. Macron's visit to China and his remarks about European strategic autonomy reminded many of former French President Charles de Gaulle. Shortly after the end of World War II, the Cold War began, and de Gaulle advocated strategic autonomy with all his might. He withdrew France from the integrated military structure of NATO and established diplomatic relations with China. The USA was very unhappy, and in Europe it caused a big scandal. But history has proved the wisdom and purity of de Gaulle's thoughts. He created an independent political tradition in France. Thanks to him, the country gained the status of a leading power. Today, it does not take much effort to make sure that Macron understands the European strategic autonomy correctly.
Europe will not lose friends if it adheres to strategic autonomy. But she will gain more respect and will be able to better defend her interests while maintaining a strategic balance on the world stage. If even the right to control its own destiny is a mistake, then Europe has no hope. Europe has once again found itself at a historical crossroads. What will she choose: a return to the principles of Charles de Gaulle or confrontation? We believe that the continent will make the right choice.
