The 61st Munich Security Conference (MSC) concluded on Sunday, highlighting the growing divide between Europe and the United States. Christoph Heusgen, chairman of the MSC, expressed concerns, saying, \"We have to fear that our common value base is not that common anymore.\"
Amidst this strained atmosphere, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance's controversial speech sparked significant backlash. Heusgen thanked European politicians for reaffirming their shared values and principles in response.
Over the three-day event, around 60 heads of state and government, alongside 150 ministers, tackled pressing global security issues like climate change, European security, and various regional conflicts. However, disagreements persisted on topics such as the Ukraine conflict and European defense strategies.
Xiao Qian, deputy head of the Center for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University, noted that Vance's remarks on Europe's democracy and free speech exposed deeper rifts between the U.S. and its transatlantic allies.
Heusgen emphasized the critical need for shared norms and principles in our increasingly multipolar world, stating, \"This order is easy to disrupt, to destroy, but much harder to rebuild.\"
Highlighting a shift in global dynamics, Heusgen pointed out that over 30% of this year’s MSC speakers hailed from Asia, Africa, and Latin America. This inclusion ensures that voices from the Global South are integral to discussions shaping the evolving multipolar order.
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Munich Security Conference ends amid strained transatlantic relations
cgtn.com
