French President Calls For European Defense System Sovereignty, Don't Rely On The US

French President Emmanuel Macron (Twitter / Emmanuel Macron)

JAKARTA - French President Emmanuel Macron clashed with German Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer on Monday, November 16. The reason is, Karrenbauer revealed the inability of Europe to create its own defense system without the help of the United States (US).

Macron then denied Karrenbauer's statement and said it was wrong. As quoted by Channel News Asia, Macron said that Europe should have an independent and sovereign defense strategy.

Macron said whether or not the US government was present, European countries should have stood on their own feet. Moreover, he said, in matters of defense strategy.

"I totally disagree with the opinion article published in the Politico by the German defense minister," said Macron. "The US will only respect us as allies, if we are serious about our own position, and if we have our own sovereignty over our defense."

Macron added that European countries should build their own autonomy regarding defense. Therefore, Macron made an example of what the US and China have done in sovereignty over their country.

Previously, Macron had spoken with the President-elect of the US, Joe Biden on 10 November. Macron told Biden he was ready to work with the US on issues such as climate, health and the fight against terrorism.