The 61st Munich Security Conference wrapped up on Sunday with transatlantic tensions taking center stage, as leaders grappled with shifting alliances and a fractured global order. MSC Chairman Christoph Heusgen sounded the alarm during his closing remarks: \"We have to fear that our common value base is not that common anymore,\" referencing growing divides between Europe and the U.S.
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance drew criticism for remarks about European democracy during the event, which included 60 heads of state and 150 ministers. Heusgen praised European leaders for reaffirming their values amid the dispute, while Tsinghua University analyst Xiao Qian called the episode a rare public airing of transatlantic discord.
While discussions spanned climate change, Ukraine, and defense strategies, the conference highlighted the Global South's growing influence. A record 30% of speakers came from Asia, Africa, and Latin America, reflecting efforts to reshape security frameworks in an increasingly multipolar world.
\"This order is easy to disrupt, to destroy, but much harder to rebuild,\" Heusgen warned, urging collaborative solutions to global challenges. The three-day summit underscored both divisions and opportunities as nations navigate complex new realities.
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Munich Security Conference ends amid strained transatlantic relations
cgtn.com
