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EU and US similar, but split on China, Merkel says
German Chancellor Angela Merkel made the comments after Joe Biden joined a summit of EU leaders — the first time in 11 years a US president has joined.
March 25 2021
US President Joe Biden was the first US president in 11 years to join an EU leaders summit
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that the EU had much in common with the US but that it differed on China policy, after a video summit with the EU's 27 leaders and US President Joe Biden.
Biden is looking to rebuild ties frayed by former president Donald Trump and the US — hoping to forge a front against the rising power and influence of China — is keen to enlist the EU.
Biden's video call marked the first time since 2009 that a US president had joined talks with the EU's 27 leaders in a summit.
"We see that these values of democracy and the of the rule of law are under pressure," said Merkel, speaking generally about the transatlantic community of values. However, she stressed — using China as an example — this did not mean the US and EU agreed on everything.
The EU would share "no identity" with Washington on China, Merkel said. "That is absolutely clear."
Merkel did say it was important for the EU itself to have a common identity on China, adding that she was fighting for this.
The EU and US positions on China
The EU has shown willingness to work with China. In late 2020, the EU and China reached an investment deal, known as the Comprehensive Agreement on Investments (CAI) that removes barriers to foreign investments in China for certain EU industries.
The US, meanwhile, under Trump pursued a hardline stance against China over trade, the coronavirus pandemic, the contested South China Sea and human rights abuses.
A recent meeting between top US and Chinese officials in Alaska appeared to signal no change in policy under Biden after the two sides traded barbs.
EU and US standing 'shoulder-to-shoulder'
"By standing together, shoulder-to-shoulder, the EU and US can show that democracies are best suited to protect citizens, promote dignity, and generate prosperity," European Council President Charles Michel wrote on Twitter after chairing the summit.
"It was the opportunity for POTUS to express his vision of our future cooperation. And for us to express our strong commitment to this fundamental transatlantic alliance," Michel tweeted.
www.dw.com
German Chancellor Angela Merkel made the comments after Joe Biden joined a summit of EU leaders — the first time in 11 years a US president has joined.
March 25 2021
US President Joe Biden was the first US president in 11 years to join an EU leaders summit
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that the EU had much in common with the US but that it differed on China policy, after a video summit with the EU's 27 leaders and US President Joe Biden.
Biden is looking to rebuild ties frayed by former president Donald Trump and the US — hoping to forge a front against the rising power and influence of China — is keen to enlist the EU.
Biden's video call marked the first time since 2009 that a US president had joined talks with the EU's 27 leaders in a summit.
"We see that these values of democracy and the of the rule of law are under pressure," said Merkel, speaking generally about the transatlantic community of values. However, she stressed — using China as an example — this did not mean the US and EU agreed on everything.
The EU would share "no identity" with Washington on China, Merkel said. "That is absolutely clear."
Merkel did say it was important for the EU itself to have a common identity on China, adding that she was fighting for this.
The EU and US positions on China
The EU has shown willingness to work with China. In late 2020, the EU and China reached an investment deal, known as the Comprehensive Agreement on Investments (CAI) that removes barriers to foreign investments in China for certain EU industries.
The US, meanwhile, under Trump pursued a hardline stance against China over trade, the coronavirus pandemic, the contested South China Sea and human rights abuses.
A recent meeting between top US and Chinese officials in Alaska appeared to signal no change in policy under Biden after the two sides traded barbs.
EU and US standing 'shoulder-to-shoulder'
"By standing together, shoulder-to-shoulder, the EU and US can show that democracies are best suited to protect citizens, promote dignity, and generate prosperity," European Council President Charles Michel wrote on Twitter after chairing the summit.
"It was the opportunity for POTUS to express his vision of our future cooperation. And for us to express our strong commitment to this fundamental transatlantic alliance," Michel tweeted.
EU and US similar, but split on China, Merkel says – DW – 03/26/2021
German Chancellor Angela Merkel made the comments after Joe Biden joined a summit of EU leaders — the first time in 11 years a US president has joined.
www.dw.com
