Europe Still Needs China: Washington Poses Greater Threat Than Beijing
In this Foreign Affairs analysis, Da Wei argues that despite prevailing assumptions, the contradiction between Europe and the United States poses a more significant threat to European interests than tensions with China. While the U.S.-China rivalry remains the dominant global dynamic, the transatlantic relationship is fracturing under the weight of American aggressive nationalism during Donald Trump’s second term. The article highlights how unilateral tariffs, demands for Greenland’s sovereignty, and support for right-wing European figures have undermined shared liberal values. Unlike the Cold War era, Europe cannot simply play the China card due to complex triangular dynamics, yet it must recognize that Washington’s shift toward unilateralism and traditionalism endangers the European project itself. Consequently, Europe needs to maintain engagement with China to preserve its strategic autonomy and fulfill its role in a multipolar world, rather than fully aligning with a increasingly hostile United States.
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Europe Still Needs China: Washington Poses Greater Threat Than Beijing
In this Foreign Affairs analysis, Da Wei argues that despite prevailing assumptions, the contradiction between Europe and the United States poses a more significant threat to European interests than tensions with China. While the U.S.-China rivalry remains the dominant global dynamic, the transatlantic relationship is fracturing under the weight of American aggressive nationalism during Donald Trump’s second term. The article highlights how unilateral tariffs, demands for Greenland’s sovereignty, and support for right-wing European figures have undermined shared liberal values. Unlike the Cold War era, Europe cannot simply play the China card due to complex triangular dynamics, yet it must recognize that Washington’s shift toward unilateralism and traditionalism endangers the European project itself. Consequently, Europe needs to maintain engagement with China to preserve its strategic autonomy and fulfill its role in a multipolar world, rather than fully aligning with a increasingly hostile United States.
foreignaffairs