US Secretary of State Marco Rubio Urges Western Renewal During Athens Visit
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Western nations in Athens to reclaim their global leadership, emphasizing competition with China, border security, and strong defense commitments.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Western nations during a speech in Athens on Wednesday to strengthen their global leadership, warning that the coming decade will shape the next century. Speaking against the backdrop of the Acropolis, Rubio argued that the West must choose between maintaining its leadership or accepting decline and subjugation.
Ideological Vision and Competition with China
Reflecting the conservative principles of the US administration under President Donald Trump, Rubio urged citizens of the US and Europe not to apologize for historical choices, including the exploration and conquest of other lands. Instead, he called for renewing this ethos to gain an advantage in military and economic competition with China and other powers.
We believe that Europe can awaken from its long slumber and reignite the fire that burned here thousands of years ago, said the Secretary of State.
Security, Borders, and NATO Commitments
Rubio strongly criticized Western governments for opening their borders in recent decades. During a joint press conference with Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, he called for increased US-Greece cooperation to curb mass migration and praised Greece for its defense spending commitments.
