Analysis & Opinions - The New York Times

Biden’s Plan to Link Arms With Europe Against Russia and China Isn’t So Simple

| Feb. 18, 2021

WASHINGTON — Two weeks after President Biden’s inauguration, France’s president, Emmanuel Macron, spoke publicly about the importance of dialogue with Moscow, saying that Russia is a part of Europe that cannot simply be shunned and that Europe must be strong enough to defend its own interests.

On Dec. 30, just weeks before the inauguration, the European Union clinched an important investment agreement with China, days after a tweet by Mr. Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, asking for “early consultations” with Europe on China and seeming to caution against a quick deal.

So even as the United States resets under new White House leadership, Europe is charting its own course on Russia and China in ways that do not necessarily align with Mr. Biden’s goals, posing a challenge as the new American president sets out to rebuild a post-Trump alliance with the Continent.

 

For more information on this publication: Belfer Communications Office
For Academic Citation:Biden’s Plan to Link Arms With Europe Against Russia and China Isn’t So Simple.” The New York Times, February 18, 2021.