Rubio casts US, the 'child of Europe', as critical friend to allies

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a speech at the Munich Security Conference, emphasizing the importance of transatlantic ties and the US's commitment to its European allies. He referred to the US as the "child of Europe" and characterized Europe as the US's "oldest friend" and "cherished ally." Rubio expressed a desire for Europe to be strong, stating, "We want Europe to be strong," and underscored the historical significance of the two world wars as reminders of the intertwined destinies of the US and Europe (Reuters, South China Morning Post). In his address, Rubio adopted a softer tone compared to previous speeches, particularly that of Vice President JD Vance from the prior year, while still maintaining a firm stance reminiscent of former President Donald Trump's policies. He highlighted the necessity for Europe to survive and thrive, reinforcing the idea that the US and Europe share a common future (AP News, Al Jazeera). Rubio also addressed the ongoing challenges related to migration, indicating that tensions between the US and the European Union persist despite the conciliatory nature of his speech. He urged for unity among transatlantic partners while acknowledging the complexities of current global issues (Al Jazeera). The conference also featured a back-and-forth between Rubio and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, reflecting the broader context of US-China relations amidst their great power rivalry (South China Morning Post).