As President Donald Trump embarks on a potential second term in the White House, Europe is faced with a pressing question regarding its relationship with the United States. Should it maintain the long-standing alliance, or explore new partnerships, perhaps shifting its focus towards China?
In a notable discussion in April, Chinese President Xi Jinping encouraged Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to unite the European Union against what he termed Washington’s “unilateral coercion.” This coercion is not confined to trade issues; it extends into politics, culture, and global strategy, prompting Europe to reevaluate whether the US remains a reliable ally, or if it is time for a strategic pivot.
China’s advantages are increasingly appealing, a sentiment likely to be echoed at the forthcoming EU-China summit in July. Although European sentiments toward China are still cautious—highlighted by recent moves to impose tariffs on budget platforms like Temu and Shein—Europe continues to lean towards the US, particularly in financial and defense matters. This reflex, rooted in historical allegiances, appears misaligned with Europe’s future interests.
The US has traditionally aimed to maintain its status as the world’s sole superpower. However, under President Trump’s leadership, this global stance has taken a troubling turn. The erosion of fundamental democratic principles, assaults on human rights, academic freedom, and social justice are increasingly evident. Urging for relentless support of Israel’s actions in Gaza—widely criticized as genocidal—and the greenlighting of potential military interventions in Iran exemplify a broader decline of the values that the US previously championed.
Conversely, China faces its own array of challenges including stringent censorship, a lack of press freedom, and rigorous control over public discourse. Nonetheless, one might ask if the differences between the democratic West and China are as stark as they seem. The Western information landscape is dominated by a limited number of tech billionaires whose platforms, such as X and Facebook, often promote misinformation and conspiracy theories while sidelining essential public debate. Furthermore, the treatment of whistleblowers like Julian Assange, Chelsea Manning, and Edward Snowden raises questions about the very foundation of truth in contemporary American democracy.
Europe is also compelled to scrutinize the shared economic and political model it has with the US. Democracy, which once stood as a proud hallmark, increasingly acts as a façade for oligarchy—where governance serves a privileged few. President Trump epitomizes this transformation, viewing democratic norms as hindrances to endless wealth accumulation. However, he is not an isolated figure; across the Western landscape, wealth concentration and unresponsive politics continue to rise, disregarding the needs of the vast majority.
Attention must also be drawn to the divergent approaches Washington and Beijing take in international relations. The Chinese military presence abroad is modest, with one major base in Djibouti and several minor outposts. In stark contrast, the US manages over 750 military installations globally. This extensive reach may soon become instrumental in Trump’s vision of imperial ambition; he recently shared a provocative clip envisioning the future of Gaza as the “Riviera of the Middle East,” postulating that its current residents would be uprooted. China, reinstating its support for the Palestinian right to resist foreign occupation, has consistently opposed such plans for forced resettlement.
Moreover, China is emerging as a viable educational destination. With over 3,000 universities catering to more than 40 million students, China’s higher education system offers domains of opportunity at substantially lower costs—annual tuition fees range between $1,500 and $3,000, while many US institutions charge upwards of $40,000. Universities like Tsinghua are gaining international acclaim for impactful research. Despite existing under strict censorship, these institutions represent a formidable alternative, particularly as US campuses grapple with increasing repression, visa restrictions, and political interference.
Given these factors, one must question the rationale behind Europe’s steadfast alliance with a country that increasingly undermines its own values and interests.
The reality remains that Europe has yet to achieve political sovereignty. It is characterized by a fragmented economy, military, tax system, and labor market, often hindered by cultural, linguistic, and political divisions. In a speech given at the Sorbonne in 2017, French President Emmanuel Macron underscored the need for “European sovereignty,” which is still conspicuously lacking in the continent’s ability to independently analyze its interests and form alliances accordingly.
As long as this sovereignty remains unaddressed, discussions about shifting alliances, no matter how urgent, may ultimately be theoretical. While China appears ready for a new era of collaboration, Europe stands paralyzed by its internal disunity and outdated allegiances. Increasingly, it is President Trump’s actions that could illuminate the path for Europe to reconsider its future alliances.
image source from：aljazeera
