The security conference in Munich has shown that, in The current world order is dissolving, and Europe is forced to define his interests and finally on his own legs, says Frank Sieren.
Politburo member Yang Jiechi in Munich
55. Security conference in Munich since Sunday and yet what was there said sounds like, in a way, like no other world political Meeting. Around 30 heads of state and government, and about 90 Ministers have tried to situate the security and political situation in the world. One thing is obvious: The odds were against the risks. The care of the Old was greater than the curiosity on the New.
Most of this was remarkable in those who have lose in the new world order at the most: the Americans. The more the US Deputy Mike Pence stressed that America is stronger than ever and “lead the world once more”, the more clearly was that it is not so and never will be. For this he demanded of his ally the more followers, for example, at the exit from the Iran-agreement, or the ban on Chinese telecommunications technology: “We are not able to secure the defence of the West, if our allies are dependent from the East,” said Pence. But not even the British share this view in Europe.
Merkel’s plea for multilateralism
Chancellor Merkel was more open to the New: you noted that we’re still thinking in the structures, which are shaped by the horrors of the Second world war. But you do not want this to smash, but cautiously reform in the sense of a “networked thinking”. Merkel argued: “A coherent European defence policy” is not directed against NATO, but to make this more efficient. She speaks of them, to develop common weapon systems and a common “culture of arms exports”. The partnership with Africa “at the beginning”, while China have operated in the last few years, “in a big way” there’s development policy. You can learn from each other. Europe have, however, produced no corresponding “development Agenda”. And in the direction of the Americans, you said: “Russia remains a Partner” with the need to work efficiently together. It could not be the goal, to drive Russia into dependence on China. Multilateralism is difficult, slow and complicated – but it’s better than going it alone.
DW-columnist Frank Sieren
For the rising China, the easiest way is to let the old world order, since Beijing was involved in it at least. China, standing, Politburo member Yang Jiechi in Munich, for multilateralism and wool “coordination, cooperation and stability” in international relations – with the United States. For this one should apply, however, international law without double standards and selective interpretation. The nuclear deal with Iran, the European Union wants to hold on to, is also from a Chinese point of view, a successful example of multilateral diplomacy. He expressed the hope “that the Americans have more self-confidence and respect for other countries”. At this point, Merkel was able to nod. That Trump considered German cars as a security risk for the United States, made it even easier. However, the Chinese Top Diplomat, was in the 1970s, briefly as a Translator for George Bush Senior action, Merkel’s Please, China to participate in the disarmament agreement. INF do not match. The old structures that no longer fit in the new world. In addition, the defence strategy of his country to have a purely defensive character, and therefore “no threat to others”. After all, China has already committed itself in 1964, nuclear weapons only in retaliation case.
Probably, it is under these circumstances, it makes more sense to invent a new disarmament format, as the INF to revitalize the Treaty. The military expenditure of the United States are still four times as high as China’s. China has more than 270 nuclear warheads. The Russians and the Americans each have more than 4000. Perhaps China can take on in the new Format is a load-bearing role. That Beijing is an indispensable part of the new world order, has now detected Merkel: “We are still so busy, still so great, yet so super can be: With 80 million inhabitants, we will not arrive, however, if China decides that it wants to have with Germany, good relations and more. So will play anywhere in the world!”
Why can’t China talk?
China military to strengthen its Power, just barely, but especially economically, is a development, on the Europe. All you can currently, in some areas, with China a reasonable talk with the United States. Why this opportunity? This does not mean to depict Washington in the future, only the cold shoulder.
The European interest is at least becoming clearer and clearer: China and the United States must be framed by strong global institutions, debates and changing coalitions allow. Currently, Europe has, however, not even a joint China strategy. It needs to be worked on. However, If we China does not deny its own interests, not us, China agree to also have their own interests. Only if the shift succeeds, it will be possible for us to act strategically. Raised by Merkel in her speech also surprisingly open, It has to be better, “once in the shoes of the other, to look outside the box to see if solutions are reached, common Win-Win, to my as to be able to all the things alone.” That alone Donald Trump’s lead currently, inadvertently, that the old world order is dissolving rapidly, it is an irony of history. You can put it even a little more optimistic: Trumps selfishness is like fertilizer for a multi-polar world order, and is forcing Europe to finally admit color.
Our columnist Frank Sieren has lived for 25 years in Beijing.