The confrontational US attempt to strike China through technological decoupling can only reinforce the notion among Chinese that their country will have to rely on itself in the long term. Chancellor Merkel’s rhetoric was more constructive.

As Trump’s “America First” policy and his penchant for unilateralism drives a wedge between the U.S. and Europe, Europe and China are coordinating and growing closer as they push back against unilateralism.

The latest escalation in US-China economic frictions points at worrisome trends. In the short run, US allies may benefit from US-China economic tensions, but serious dangers lie ahead.

The latest escalation in US-China economic frictions points at worrisome trends. In the short run, US allies may benefit from US-China economic tensions, but serious dangers lie ahead.

Recently, Europe has been trying to redefine its economic relationship with China by taking a sterner approach towards its counterpart’s distorted market practice. In the process, China has softened its position out of necessity.

With the United States not offering the political and economic support Europe needs to offset China’s influence, leaders like Macron and Merkel face the challenge of retaining the multilateral global order today, while also engaging China on key economic and global issues.

In Europe’s biggest capitals, there has been significant skepticism about the Belt and Road Initiative and the Chinese government’s development strategy. As Beijing seeks to push through its 16+1 economic plan, friction with Brussels will continue to mount.

U.S. says the Chinese telecom company’s equipment is a security risk.

Unlike the US, the EU does not perceive China as a “strategic” rival, but a “systemic” one. While China’s lack of economic and political liberalization poses a direct threat to EU’s interests and values, common ground can still be reached.