LONDON—U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper cautioned European allies against cozying up to China, arguing on Sept. 6 that Beijing seeks greater global influence by leveraging economic power and stealing technology.
“The more dependent a country becomes on Chinese investment and trade, the more susceptible they are to coercion and retribution when they act outside of Beijing’s wishes,” Esper said in a speech at the Royal United Services Institute, a think tank.
