Deepening transatlantic tensions dominated the opening day of the 62nd Munich Security Conference (MSC) on Friday, with a growing number of European leaders stressing the need for Europe to defend its own interests amid widening fissures with the United States.
This year's three-day event will address topics including European security and defense, the future of transatlantic ties, the revival of multilateralism, various visions for global order, regional conflicts, and the security effects of technological advancements.
In his opening address, MSC Chairman Wolfgang Ischinger said concerns about global security are increasing, with the transatlantic relationship finding itself at an inflection point, posing unprecedented challenges for the conference.
He also questioned whether the U.S. administration believes it needs allies and partners.
Echoing these concerns, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that the transatlantic partnership is no longer something to be taken for granted, noting that a divide has opened between Europe and the U.S.
French President Emmanuel Macron told the media that the transatlantic partnership is in a state of considerable uncertainty. He added that Europe must defend its own interests and reject any external claims on its territory.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Europe must become strong as the world is in an era of disorder.
At this year's MSC, the U.S. insists on its "America First" mantra, while Europe continues to advocate for strategic autonomy. Caught between the dual pressures of security dependence and economic interests, the transatlantic relationship is undergoing an unprecedented test.
The conference, originally a platform for coordinating positions, now serves as a mirror, reflecting the deep fissures within the West.
Transatlantic rifts dominate 1st day of Munich Security Conference
A Chinese envoy said on Monday that dialogue and negotiation are the only viable way to resolve the Ukraine crisis, calling on the international community to build momentum for peace talks and create conditions for an early political settlement.
In their briefing at a United Nations Security Council meeting on Ukraine on Monday, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo said July was the deadliest month since May 2022, while UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher said that at least 437 civilians were killed and more than 2,600 others injured that month.
Also at the meeting, Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, called for an end to the fighting and greater protection for civilians.
He warned that to allow the situation to further deteriorate and escalate only deepens human suffering, destabilizes the region, and threatens global stability.
"Fighting on the ground is escalating, and the humanitarian toll is mounting. For more than a month, the two sides have been locked in a new round of fierce fighting, resulting in numerous casualties, damage to a large number of civilian facilities such as energy, food, and material storage, and attacks on third-party ships and assets, which is deeply distressing and worrying," Fu said.
The Chinese envoy said China advocates joint efforts to de-escalate the situation, initiate a peace process, and seek fundamental solutions. "Dialogue and negotiation are the only viable way out of the Ukraine issue. Currently, dialogue efforts remain stalled as deep differences persist among key stakeholders. China calls on all relevant parties to continue demonstrating political will, strive to start and sustain talks, gradually build consensus, and work towards a comprehensive, durable and binding peace agreement," Fu said.
He said that China's position on the Ukraine issue remains objective, fair, and consistent, adding China promotes peace talks in its own way and supports all efforts conducive to a peaceful settlement of the crisis.
China stands ready to work with the international community and continue playing a constructive role in the political settlement of the conflict, Fu said.
China emphasizes dialogue, negotiation as only viable path to resolve Ukraine crisis
