Europe is experiencing a period of turmoil unseen since the end of the Cold War. The drastic changes in geopolitics, particularly a betrayal by a traditional ally and the consequent damages, are placing Europe in a position where its future is uncertain.

As Europe gradually recognizes that the world order is evolving toward multipolarity, it should re-evaluate its international environment, carefully reassess its former allies and redefine its partnerships under the principle of opposing unilateralism and upholding multilateralism. China, which has maintained a coherent and consistent policy toward Europe and has been an active advocate for multilateralism, can serve as a reliable partner for Europe in exploring new pathways for development.

Widening division 

Trump's first presidency posed significant challenges for the Europe-U.S. consensus on rules. For this reason, Europe emphasized the importance of taking a rules-based approach to international affairs during the Joe Biden administration, attempting to reverse Trump's influence and stabilize the Europe-U.S. alliance.

However, after Trump resumed power, once more under the slogan of Make America Great Again, U.S. policies in the areas of politics, economy and security have been gradually undermining the so-called "rules-based order." Europe, which once attempted to uphold this order in coordination with the U.S., has been adversely impacted to the greatest extent. 

Economically, Europe has not been spared from the unilateral tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, despite its status as America's economic ally and largest trading partner.

In terms of security, the Trump administration has not only abandoned its shared stance with Europe on Ukraine, but has also sidelined Europe—the most important stakeholder—in the process of responding to the conflict and sought to ease relations with Russia, regarded by Europe to be its greatest security threat. Furthermore, it has openly threatened to use force to seize the territories of some European nations and planned to abandon NATO, which is viewed by some European countries as a security guarantee.

Politically, the Trump administration's open and direct support for far-right European political parties has caused considerable harm to Europe, undermining the Europe-U.S."alliance of shared values" and making the alliance exceedingly fragile in the face of Trump's America First policy. 

What Europe finds most difficult to face and accept is that the various forms of coercion and harm brought by the U.S. are not merely temporary phenomena resulting from the Trump administration or the policy adjustments of the Republican Party. The fact that Trump garnered majority support from the American public for a return to power, coupled with the actions of the Biden administration that undermined the common rules of Europe and the U.S., indicates that as long as the U.S. is determined to maintain its hegemony, the so-called "rules-based order" is merely a guise for power politics. The ultimate aim is nothing short of political deception targeting Europe and an instrument to maintain the hegemonic order. Therefore, if Europe cannot reflect on these developments and seek genuine strategic autonomy, it may become even more of a vassal and tool of the U.S. in its pursuit of hegemony.

A reliable partnership 

As the only superpower in today's world, the U.S., implementing policies centered on its own narrow interests, is inflicting irreparable damage on the stability of the international order and the sustainability of the common interests of the world. Such policies pose a direct and long-term threat to China and Europe, which both benefit from the relative stability of the international community and the mutually beneficial global division of labor.

In the face of the Trump administration's forceful reshaping of transatlantic relations, Europe now stands at a historical crossroads with two paths ahead. One is to maintain the status quo, clinging to a decaying Western-centric order that, in practice, follows the leadership of the United States—ultimately making Europe a pawn in the new U.S. hegemonic scheme. The other is to forge ahead toward the goal of achieving strategic autonomy and integrated development, so as to become a major constructive force in a new multipolar world.

Europe has already demonstrated strong determination and courage to reduce its dependence on the United States and to increase strategic autonomy through a series of moves, including political actions that oppose American unilateralism, counter-tariff measures and the "rearmament" plan to strengthen regional security. However, to transform the mentality of the traditional Euro-American alliance, Europe must embrace a fair, open and inclusive world. It is critical for Europe to seek sincere and trustworthy partners who treat each other as equals and endorse a principle-based, responsible and efficiency-driven multilateralist approach.

This year is the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU. Over the past five decades, sustained cooperation has created a strong bond of shared interests between China and Europe and such a bond cannot be easily severed by protectionism. This tie forms a solid foundation for both sides to build consensus, coordinate positions and act together in the midst of current global transformations. In response to the U.S. abuse of tariffs and protectionist measures, China and Europe are defending their common interests through actions, such as voicing opposition, resuming negotiations on electric vehicles and exploring new areas of cooperation.

Although the U.S. remains an important trading partner for both China and Europe, it is not the only option. As long as China and Europe maintain communication and coordination in economic and trade policies and open sectors, such as manufacturing, new energy and services, to each other, they can thrive in the global market. This not only allows them to meet challenges from the U.S. but also opens up new space for profit growth.

Continuous dialogue over the past five decades has helped establish a strong consensus between China and Europe on multilateralism—one that is resilient against Cold War mentality and bloc confrontation. This consensus provides a source of confidence for the two sides to manage geopolitical tensions, promote regional peace and development and build strategic mutual trust.

China's stance on regional conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine crisis and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as well as on key European concerns like the refugee issue and climate change, has been fair, just, open and consistent. This stands in sharp contrast to the self-serving, flip-flopping and blame-shifting U.S. approach. As the U.S. seeks to dictate the process of political settlement for these crises, China welcomes any problem-solving effort but emphasizes the importance of fair, transparent procedures and the legitimacy and sustainability of outcomes. China views it as unfair that Europe is excluded from U.S.-led political talks over the Ukraine crisis and supports Europe's involvement and leadership in the political resolution of this matter.

Although different historical experiences and current situations may result in divergent views on geopolitics and regional conflicts between China and Europe, this does not prevent them from taking on greater shared responsibilities—based on the UN Charter and principles of international law—in ending conflicts and restoring peace. Through these efforts, strategic trust can be established, despite ideological differences, to maintain regional strategic balance and contribute to global strategic stability.

Over the past five decades, experience in deepening cooperation and managing competition has created a remarkably resilient and close China-Europe relationship that will not be undermined by global turmoil. This can serve as a strong driving force for the two sides to seek development through openness, pursue stability through reform and break new ground in an evolving international landscape.

China is committed to deepening reform and opening up and seeks to strike a rational balance between pursuing development and ensuring security. Meanwhile, Europe is trying to establish "open strategic autonomy," aiming to enhance its external security environment while sustaining economic growth and political stability. The similarities in goals and strategies can provide China and Europe with momentum for enhanced cooperation. This would ensure that both sides could continue to benefit from each other's development and would offer models of effective cooperation and viable solutions for other countries in a world of uncertainty and turbulence. BR

The author is a professor at the Academy of Regional and Global Governance and director of the Center for EU and Regional Development Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University. This is an edited excerpt of his article recently published in China Today 

Copyedited by G.P. Wilson 

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