Europe courts China

by Monty Donohew

 President Donald Trump has never minced words about NATO. In recent weeks, he has bluntly stated what many Americans have long suspected: Europe cannot be relied upon to defend itself, let alone come to America’s aid in a crisis. From questioning whether NATO allies would “be there for us if we really needed them” to highlighting their minimal contributions in past conflicts like Afghanistan, Trump has exposed the uncomfortable truth: The United States shoulders the overwhelming burden of the alliance while many European members fall short on commitments.

Trump’s point is simple and substantiated: Despite years of promises, not all NATO allies consistently meet even the modest 2% GDP defense spending target, and the U.S. still accounts for the lion’s share of the alliance’s capabilities. NATO secretary general Mark Rutte himself recently delivered a “brutal reality check,” warning that Europe is “dreaming” if it thinks it can defend itself without massive American support, including nuclear deterrence. Europe lacks the industrial base, the firepower, and the will to go it alone. Trump’s skepticism isn’t isolationism; it’s realism.

One might expect Europe’s response to this wake-up call to be a surge in defense investment, a redoubling of efforts to prove their reliability as partners, and a unified front against common threats. After all, if the U.S. can’t fully count on Europe, shouldn’t Europe step up to change that?

Instead, what do we see? European leaders, and even close allies like the UK and Canada, are running straight to China.

Unnerved by Trump’s pressure on trade, tariffs, and alliance commitments, a parade of Western leaders has been beating a path to Beijing. British prime minister Keir Starmer just completed a high-profile visit to Xi Jinping, declaring it “vital” to build a “more sophisticated relationship” with China. Leaders from Finland, Canada, and others have followed suit or are planning trips. The goal? To “reset” relations, strike business deals, and secure economic ties with the very regime that poses the greatest long-term threat to Western security.

This isn’t subtle. Reports make it clear: Trump’s tough stance, threatening tariffs, questioning NATO burdens, and prioritizing America First, has pushed these allies to pivot toward China for trade and influence. As one analysis put it, a “succession of Western leaders is heading to Beijing and reviving ties” precisely because they feel alienated by Trump’s demands. Trump has even warned against it, calling closer UK-China deals “very dangerous” and threatening punitive measures if allies cut side deals with Beijing.

What a revealing choice. Faced with Trump’s call for Europe to take more responsibility for its own defense, these nations aren’t rushing to build armies, navies, or missile defenses. They’re not scrambling to hit higher spending targets or develop independent capabilities. No, they’re courting the Chinese Communist Party, deepening economic dependencies on a totalitarian state that bullies Taiwan, steals intellectual property, floods markets with subsidized goods, and undermines the rules-based order that NATO supposedly defends.

This is the height of hypocrisy. European nations demand American protection, often lecturing the U.S. on “solidarity,” while freely trading with our primary geopolitical adversary. China is NATO’s self-declared “systemic challenge,” yet when push comes to shove, economic convenience trumps security principles. Germany’s lingering reliance on Chinese markets, France’s flirtations with “strategic autonomy” that somehow always spares Beijing criticism, and now this rush of visits, all while defense budgets lag.

Trump is right: America cannot indefinitely subsidize allies who won’t defend themselves and who actively undermine our interests by empowering China. The U.S. provides the nuclear umbrella, the intelligence, the troops, and the treasure that keep Europe safe from threats like Russia. It is primarily American troops who put their lives on the line. In return? Freeloading and fraternizing with the dragon in the room.

This rush to Beijing isn’t strength, it’s surrender dressed as pragmatism. It proves Trump’s point: Europe isn’t ready to stand on its own, and it’s certainly not prepared to stand firmly with America against real threats. Until that changes, the America First approach isn’t just justified, it’s essential.

Protecting American taxpayers and security means demanding better from so-called allies. If Europe prefers Xi’s handshake over honoring its commitments, perhaps it’s time for the U.S. to reconsider just how much we’re willing to give. Trump sees it clearly. The rest of Washington should, too.

https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2026/01/europe_courts_china.html