Munich, Feb 14 (.) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday outlined a vision of cautious cooperation and strategic realism at the Munich Security Conference in relations to China and Europe.
Acknowledging both the opportunities and tensions between major powers, Rubio stressed that “we owe it to the world to try to manage those conflicting national interests as best we can, obviously avoiding conflict — both economic and worse.”
As the world’s two largest economies, the United States and China share global responsibilities, and Rubio emphasised the importance of maintaining communication “in areas where our interests are aligned” to create a positive impact internationally.
However, Rubio said fundamental differences between the US and China are likely to persist.
As the world’s two largest economies, Washington and Beijing intend to maintain relations based on national interests, he added. The task of diplomacy, Rubio said, is to manage conflicts of interest and avoid unnecessary friction whenever possible.
At the same time, Rubio made clear that strategic competition remains unavoidable. “No one is under any illusion,” he said, noting that “there are some fundamental challenges between our countries and between the West and China that will continue for the foreseeable future.”
His remarks reflected a broader recognition that while cooperation is necessary, deep political, economic, and security differences will persist.
Turning to Europe, Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to the transatlantic partnership, declaring, “We belong together.”
He emphasised that the United States seeks to preserve, not weaken, its alliance with European partners, even as it urges them to take greater responsibility for their own security.
In a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape, Rubio’s message underscored diplomacy, alliance unity, and strategic balance as essential pillars of global stability.
Addressing the Munich Security Conference, Rubio also said the United States is seeking to revitalize its alliance with European countries. He insisted that Washington wants to preserve, not end, its transatlantic partnership.
“While we are prepared, if necessary, to do this alone, it is our preference and it is our hope to do this with you, our friends here in Europe,” Rubio said.
Rubio emphasized the importance to the decades-long partnership that has come under intense strain during President Donald Trump’s second term.
Rubio acknowledged that the US can, at times, be somewhat “direct and urgent in our counsel,” but sought to reassure European leaders that the Trump administration is committed to the alliance.
His remarks came a day after the leaders of Germany and France warned of strains within the transatlantic alliance.
Rubio also criticised mass migration, saying it has imposed high costs on Western countries. He argued that strong border control is critical to national sovereignty and said such policies should not be viewed as xenophobic, but as essential to protecting nation-states.
Rubio relatively struck a conciliatory tone, especially compared to last year’s speech by US Vice President JD Vance, which was met with silence in the conference hall. This year, Rubio’s remarks drew laughter and applause, reflecting a warmer reception.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz had earlier emphasised that Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security, including increased defence spending. Rubio echoed that message, urging European NATO members to strengthen their contributions, including meeting higher defence spending targets.
. . PRS