From the American Revolutionary War to the War on Terror...
Macron: "France is a Reliable Ally"
European Leaders Push Back Against Trump's Doubts on Collective Defense
When U.S. President Donald Trump questioned NATO's core principle of collective defense (Article 5), French President Emmanuel Macron rebutted by saying, "Look to history."
French President Emmanuel Macron delivering a speech at a NATO airbase in Romania. Photo by Yonhap News
At a press conference following an emergency European Union (EU) summit held in Brussels, Belgium, on the 6th (local time), President Macron emphasized, "France is a loyal and reliable ally," adding, "Anyone who doubts this only needs to look at modern history."
He recalled France's support for George Washington's army during the American Revolutionary War, stating, "The Marquis de Lafayette led the independence forces and played a key role in important battles, and he persuaded King Louis XVI of France to officially support America," reminding of the long-standing alliance between France and the United States.
He also mentioned NATO's involvement in the U.S.-led war on terror in Afghanistan following the 9/11 attacks, emphasizing, "Not only France but also various European countries stood with the United States." He added, "France holds respect and friendship for the United States and its leaders, and France also deserves the same respect."
On the same day, President Trump pressured NATO member countries again for increased defense spending, saying, "If they do not pay their defense costs, I will not defend them."
He further expressed concerns about NATO, stating, "My worry about NATO is that when the United States is in trouble, I am not sure if France or other allies will actually help us," raising doubts about the unity of the alliance.
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