US Secretary of State Tony Blincoln takes off his mask at a press conference held at the EU headquarters in Brussels on the 24th. AP Yonhap News
US Secretary of State Tony Blincoln stressed that he would not force allies to choose between the United States and China. The South Korean government, which has no choice but to consider both the US alliance and the Chinese influence, has become somewhat breathless.
In a speech at the headquarters of the NATO in Brussels, Belgium on the 24th (local time), Secretary Blincoln said, “We know that our allies have a complicated relationship with China.” I will not force them to make their (China)’s choice.”
In his speech that day, he said, “There is no doubt that China’s coercive actions threaten collective security and prosperity” or “China is trying to weaken Western democratic countries.” “It doesn’t mean you can’t cooperate in the situation.” As a representative area that needs cooperation, he cited the issue of climate change.
This is quite different from the former Donald Trump administration. Former President Trump has been voicing that European allies should more clearly stand on the side of the United States and take a harder public line. However, European countries such as Germany and France have been striving to maintain a strategic balance between the US and China, without clearly taking any one’s side. Minister Blincoln’s remarks broadened the scope of luck even for the Korean government, which has engaged in tightrope diplomacy between the United States and China, due to the high economic dependence on China and China’s influence on the Korean peninsula.
Minister Blincoln also pointed out that China’s technology may pose a surveillance risk in the 5th generation (G) communications field, and also announced plans to counteract with Korea and others. “We should use public and private investments to bring together technology companies from countries like Sweden, Finland, Korea, and foster safe and reliable alternatives,” he argues.
Minister Blincoln will also discuss the China issue at a scheduled meeting with European Union Executive Chairman Ursula von der Leien and EU European Union Chief Executive Officer Josef Borrell. US President Joe Biden also attends a video conference with the heads of EU member states on the 25th to share their opinions.
Heo Gyeongju reporter [email protected]
News directly edited by the Hankook Ilbo can also be viewed on Naver.
