China eyes European opportunity amid transatlantic tensions
As reported by CNBC, Beijing is seeking to strengthen its ties with Europe by capitalising on transatlantic disputes. China aims to gain strategic influence over Europe. Experts note that Europe is currently striving for "independence" from the United States.
CNBC reminds us that during a recent meeting at the White House involving Donald Trump, JD Vance, and Volodymyr Zelensky, a public quarrel erupted, further heightening tensions between the US and Europe.
China might benefit from cooling USA-Europe relations
CNBC emphasises that China could use this situation to bolster its influence on the European continent. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has visited Europe, advocating for closer cooperation.
China is responding with a charm offensive, attempting to position itself as a stabilising force and a potential alternative, exploiting Europe's concerns and seeking a reset on Beijing's terms, commented Alicja Bachulska, a policy expert at the European Council on Foreign Relations, in an interview with CNBC.
Ian Bremmer from the Eurasia Group points out that China aims to weaken the ties between Europe and the United States.
CNBC adds that China could emerge as an alternative trade partner for Europe, and European companies, particularly in the automotive sector, might benefit from collaboration with Beijing.
China responds to Trump's tariffs
In a social media post published on Wednesday, the Chinese embassy in the United States stated, "If war is what the U.S. wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war or any other type of war, we're ready to fight till the end." This statement is in reaction to the increase in tariffs to 20% on the import of goods from China.
The official reason behind Washington's imposition of tariffs, which has also affected Canada and Mexico to varying degrees, is the fight against smuggling fentanyl from these countries—an opioid responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Americans each year.
According to authorities in Beijing, the Trump administration is using the fentanyl issue to "smear and shift blame onto China and pressure and blackmail it with tariff hikes." The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has repeatedly argued that "the root of the problem lies within the United States itself," and tariffs will not resolve it.
After Trump announced the initial tariffs on Chinese imports last month, Beijing responded with a 15% tariff on coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports and a 10% duty on crude oil and agricultural machinery. In retaliation for the doubling of the tariffs, China declared the imposition of tariffs ranging from 10% to 15% on farming and food products imported from the USA.
