China has figured out how to exploit the rift between the US and Europe - Bild 0 9

Against the backdrop of a clear deterioration in US-European relations, China is eager to seize the opportunity and offer Europe cooperation. This is reported by Bild.

The publication notes the obvious difference in the tone of speeches by US and Chinese officials during the economic forum held this week in Davos. While Trump "vehemently criticized" Europe's economic, energy, and migration policies, and threatened allies with new tariffs, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng proposed a partnership.

"Ladies and gentlemen, friends! China is a partner, not an opponent! [Its economy] has reformed and opened up: we welcome companies from around the world who wish to cooperate with us," he stated.

Harvard University economist Professor Kenneth Rogoff commented to Bild that Europe should indeed pursue economic rapprochement with China, which is a leader "in many key sectors that will play an immensely larger role in the future." In this context, he specifically mentioned battery production and robotics.

Economic expert from the Technical University of Nuremberg, Veronika Grimm, agrees with him. She points to opportunities for cooperation with China in defense, infrastructure, energy, and healthcare. However, she urges not to replace dependence on the US with dependence on China.

"Europe must work globally and ambitiously promote further trade agreements and forms of cooperation," Grimm believes.

Trump alienates US allies

Over the past year, Trump has significantly damaged relations with Europe through constant threats of new tariffs and their actual implementation. A particularly strong blow to Europe's trust in the US was Trump's ambition to annex Greenland to America.

At the same time, the Trump administration is outright refusing to further participate in addressing strategic issues in Europe, such as the Russian threat.

However, Trump is also signaling that US's Asian allies can no longer count on help from their overseas partner. Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea are now left to fend for themselves against China and its North Korean minion.