Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State, "Germany is Our Best Friend"... Emphasizes Cooperation on China Offensive

"No Profit from Human Rights Abuses in China"... Xinjiang Uyghur Attacks
Nord Stream 2 Gas Pipeline Issue to Be Discussed for Resolution by End of August

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken visited German Chancellor Angela Merkel and emphasized the cooperation and coordination between the U.S. and Germany regarding the offensive stance toward China. Regarding the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline issue with Russia, which had been mentioned as a diplomatic problem between the U.S. and Germany, they agreed to seek a solution by August.

On the 23rd (local time), Secretary Blinken said during the afternoon meeting with Chancellor Merkel, "It is reasonable to say that the U.S. has no better friend than Germany worldwide. This is based on the fact that the two countries share values, interests, and beliefs," emphasizing cooperation with Germany. This statement is interpreted as highlighting the role of Germany and European allies in confronting China, Russia, and others.

Chancellor Merkel responded, saying, "The U.S. and Germany are partners, and we know our responsibilities," emphasizing, "We were able to build a foundation for joint responses to geopolitical challenges such as China and Russia at meetings with U.S. President Joe Biden at the G7 and NATO summits." She also looked ahead, saying, "We will be able to review key topics ahead of my visit to the U.S. next month." Merkel is scheduled to visit the U.S. on the 15th of next month for a summit with President Biden.

During his visit to Germany, Secretary Blinken continuously stressed cooperation on China-related issues. After concluding talks with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, he held a joint press conference where he targeted China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, stating, "We must all do our best to ensure that products made with forced labor do not enter our countries," and emphasized, "Technologies or products that oppress people and restrict fundamental rights should not be exported."

The Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region is an area where German automaker Volkswagen operates, and this statement is analyzed as emphasizing Germany’s need to cooperate with the U.S. in containing China. Minister Maas also said, "China is a very important issue not only for Germany but also at the European Union (EU) level," adding, "The EU has shown that it can act according to its China strategy by coordinating with the U.S. and Canada to impose sanctions for the first time in 30 years due to human rights abuses against Uyghurs and other minorities in Xinjiang."

Separately from the China issue, they agreed to devise a solution to the conflict over the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project, known as a core diplomatic issue between the U.S. and Germany, by the end of August at the latest. Secretary Blinken said, "There is no consensus between Germany and the U.S. regarding Nord Stream 2," but added, "We need reliable and concrete results. Russia must not use energy as a weapon against Ukraine or other countries."

Minister Maas also emphasized, "It is important to achieve results that can be borne together with the U.S.," and said, "We are approaching the issue from multiple angles and will have a solution by August at the latest."

Meanwhile, Secretary Blinken resumed his European tour just one week after accompanying President Biden on his Europe trip from the 9th to the 16th. His first destination was Germany. He will then visit Paris, France, and Rome, Italy, and is scheduled to attend the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in Bari and Matera in southern Italy on the 29th.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.