Trump, Peace in Ukraine: Effects on China?

Trump, Peace in Ukraine: Effects on China?

In the past few weeks, the situation about the plans of US President Donald Trump has clarified the end of the war in Ukraine. It seems that his administration accepts some of the key requirements of the Kremlin. This includes that Ukraine should not join NATO and do not return to its limits before 2014.

focus on US politics

With the upheaval in Trump's position on peace finding peace, another political goal of the US government becomes clear: the shift in Europe's attention to China. During a meeting in Brussels, US Defense Minister Pete Hegseth said that “strong strategic realities prevent the United States from focusing primarily on the security of Europe.”

Security of the US limits in the focus

Hegseth pointed out that securing the US boundaries must be one of the priorities. Another important topic is China. "We face an equivalent competitor in the Communist People's Republic of China, who has the ability and will to threaten our homeland and our central national interests in the Indo-Pacific," continues Hegseth.

economic confrontation with China

The United States has significantly increased its economic competition with China this month by introducing a general 10 percent customs to all Chinese imports. This measure could be the start of further economic restrictions.

China's reaction to change

China, on the other hand, has received the unexpected warm reception of the Trump administration. Trump has repeatedly expressed his positive attitude towards Chinese leader Xi Jinping and the opportunity to work. Beijing had also hoped that the redesign of US foreign policy would endanger American alliances in Asia, especially at a time when the relationships between the USA and countries such as Japan, South Korea and the Philippines became narrower under the former president Joe Biden.

China's future prospects

It remains to be seen how the USA will adapt its attitude and focus in a region in which Beijing would like to expand its sphere of influence. Another urgent concern of China is whether Trump's approaches to Russian President Vladimir Putin Moscow, a crucial ally in competition with the West, could move from Beijing to Washington.

The partnership between XI and Putin

XI and Putin recently explained a partnership without limits, shortly before Russian troops crossed the border to Ukraine. During the war, the two countries further strengthened their relationships, with China proving to be an important economic lifeline for Russia. Beijing has defended the provision of dual-use goods that are driving as normal trade according to NATO leaders Russia's armaments industry.

influence on global balance of power

The partnership relationships between XI and Putin are based on a joint dislike against NATO and US alliances. Together they tried to expand non-western international groups and do joint military exercises. Putin's approach to Washington could thus have far -reaching effects on China's ability to withstand the pressure from the USA and to advance Xi's vision for an alternative to the world order.