Decoding China: Beijing courts Europe amid US dysfunction
Key takeaways
- China is hoping to secure new allies for a future multipolar world order as the partnership between the US and the European powers slides into a crisis.
- "Are the European elite and the public aware of this?"
- The question reflects Chinese public perception of Europe's stagnant economy, dependent foreign policy, and lack of defense capabilities.
Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.
China is hoping to secure new allies for a future multipolar world order as the partnership between the US and the European powers slides into a crisis.
https://p.dw.com/p/5DFC1In July 2025, Xi Jinping hosted the 25th China-EU Summit in Beijing Image: Xie Huanchi/Xinhua/dpa/picture alliance Advertisement"These days, Europe is losing its significance in global politics and the economy," a law student shouted from the audience during a recent political TV talk show broadcast on Shanghai Media Group (SMG), a Chinese state media outlet. "Are the European elite and the public aware of this?"
The question reflects Chinese public perception of Europe's stagnant economy, dependent foreign policy, and lack of defense capabilities. European powers are seen as still kowtowing to Washington and, despite intensive efforts, they appear incapable of stopping the Ukraine war, which is being waged on their own doorstep by Russia.