Professor Xuewu Gu argues that the current geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Europe, largely due to Trump’s foreign policies, offer China a unique opportunity to strengthen its position as a global power. He points out that, historically, Europe has been hesitant to engage closely with China due to its strong ties with Russia. However, the diminishing reliability of the U.S. as a leader, particularly under Trump, has forced European countries to reconsider their stance on China.
Gu highlights that China’s evolving stance on the Ukraine war further facilitates this shift. While China has traditionally aligned itself with Russia, it is now presenting itself as a more neutral player, potentially positioning itself as a mediator in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. This shift not only allows China to play a more prominent role in the ongoing conflict but also strengthens its diplomatic and economic ties with European nations, which are increasingly seeking alternative alliances as tensions with the U.S. grow.
The article underscores that, as Trump's approach pushes Europe to reassess its relations with the U.S., the opportunity for China to take a more active role in global diplomacy is becoming clearer. Gu concludes that China, by positioning itself as a more reliable partner for Europe, could fill the diplomatic void left by the U.S. and potentially lead the way in international negotiations, especially in the context of the Ukraine crisis.