US President Donald Trump has criticised French President Emmanuel Macron's recent statement calling for a ‘true European army’ to defend Europe against international powers such as Russia, China and even the United States.
Trump, who arrived in Paris last night to attend the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I ceremony, called Macron's suggestion ‘very insulting’.
US President wrote on twitter ‘President Macron of France has just suggested that Europe build its own military in order to protect itself from the US, China and Russia.’
‘Very insulting, but perhaps Europe should first pay its fair share of NATO, which the US subsidizes greatly!’ Trump added.
On November 6, French President Emmanuel Macron called for the creation of a ‘true European army’ to defend the European continent, which may have to confront major powers such as Russia, China and even the United States of America.
In his remarks during the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, Macron defended his point of view that the European Union's borders could only be protected against Moscow, Beijing and Washington by a European army.
The European Union set up a multi-billion-euro weapons fund last year aimed at developing Europe's military capabilities and making the continent more strategically independent. France also led efforts to create a force from nine countries that would be able to move quickly to carry out joint military operations and evacuations from war zones, when natural disasters occur. (QNA)