Why the EU Should Choose China Over the US

As Donald Trump begins his second term in the White House, Europe is facing a long-avoided question: should it continue to adhere to its alliance with the US or should it forge a new path – perhaps one leading to the East?

For Europe, the issue is not only whether the US remains a strong ally but also whether it remains an appropriate one.

Building closer ties with China now has significant advantages – a concept that is likely to be discussed at the China-EU summit in July. Despite Europe's cautious attitude towards China, as indicated by recent tariff increases on low-cost imported products from platforms like Temu and Shein, Europe's strategic instincts still default to aligning with the US, particularly in financial and defense areas. This historically ingrained instinct is increasingly out of sync with Europe's long-term interests.

For a long time, the US has pursued a consistent global goal: maintaining its status as the world's sole superpower. However, under President Trump, America's global leadership has taken a darker turn. From unconditionally supporting Israel's devastating attack on Gaza – widely condemned as genocide – to giving the green light for a new war against Iran, mass deportations, and cuts to university funding, the US under Trump is actively undermining the values it once claimed to defend.

The contrast between Washington and Beijing in foreign affairs is also noteworthy. China has an overseas military base in Djibouti and some small support outposts. In contrast, the US has more than 750 military facilities worldwide. Such a vast military footprint may soon satisfy Trump's revived imperialist imagination: he recently shared a video envisioning the Gaza Strip as the "Riviera of the Middle East," previously suggesting that Palestinian residents of Gaza would be relocated elsewhere. Meanwhile, China opposes such forced migration and reiterates the right of Palestinians to resist foreign occupation.

China is also becoming an increasingly attractive educational destination. With over 3,000 universities serving more than 40 million students, China’s education system is both extensive and accessible. Tuition fees range from $1,500 to $3,000 annually, sharply contrasting with the $40,000 tuition at many American universities. Universities like Tsinghua are gaining global recognition for their high-impact research. They remain a viable option – especially given the current challenges in American campuses, including student suppression, visa restrictions, and increasing political intervention.

So why does the EU remain beholden to an alliance that increasingly damages its values and interests?

The truth is that Europe has yet to achieve political sovereignty. It lacks a unified economic, military, tax system, and labor market. From north to south, and east to west, Europe is fragmented linguistically, culturally, and politically. French President Emmanuel Macron spoke of "European sovereignty" in a 2017 speech at the Sorbonne University. But this is precisely what Europe still lacks: the ability to independently assess its own interests and build alliances accordingly.

Before such sovereignty becomes a reality, any discussion about changing alliances – no matter how urgent – remains largely theoretical. China is ready for a new era of cooperation. While Europe, paralyzed by internal divisions and outdated loyalties, is not yet prepared. However, under Trump's leadership, the US is doing everything possible to make Europe's final choice increasingly clear.

Source: aljazeera

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1835682844375043/

Disclaimer: The article represents the author's personal views.