Former key advisor on China policy during the Obama administration, Evan Medeiros, discusses Chinese President Xi Jinping's aggressive attempts to sow disunity in Europe and the implications for U.S.-China competition. The podcast delves into Xi's strategic moves in Europe, challenges of regime change strategy for China policy, and China's views on the Middle East. It also explores the impact of a potential Trump presidency on Xi's diplomacy in Europe.
Xi Jinping's visit to Europe aims to exploit EU and NATO divisions, advancing Chinese interests.
US-China relations face structural challenges despite recent diplomatic efforts, indicating a complex and competitive dynamic.
Deep dives
Xi Jinping's European Visit Strategy
Xi Jinping's recent visit to France, Serbia, and Hungary was viewed as a strategic move to exploit divisions within the European Union and NATO. By choosing countries like France, skeptical of NATO; Serbia, not in the EU or NATO; and Hungary, undermining both institutions, Xi aimed to advance Chinese interests that challenge EU and NATO priorities.
US-China Relations Dynamics
The podcast highlights the ongoing fluctuation in US-China relations, where recent diplomatic efforts from top Biden officials visited Beijing to promote stability. However, underlying structural challenges remain significant, indicating a complex and competitive relationship between both countries.
Taiwan's Role and Biden Administration's Actions
The discussion on Taiwan focuses on Beijing's gradual military preparedness by 2027. The Biden administration's strategic ambiguity towards Taiwan, coupled with recent foreign policy moves, reflects a careful balancing act in reassurance to Beijing while reinforcing America's military commitment to Taiwan.
Implications of Xi Jinping's Diplomacy and Potential Trump Presidency
The interaction between Xi Jinping's European tour and a potential return of a Trump presidency plays a significant role in how geopolitical strategies unfold. Xi's divide-and-conquer strategy aligns with the uncertainty surrounding Trump's approach, impacting European relations and US-China dynamics.
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s trip to Europe this week is “perhaps one of the most aggressive attempts on the part of the Chinese to actively foment disunity,” Evan Medeiros says. How will his visit play out in Washington, particularly on the heels of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s own diplomatic efforts in Beijing? And what would closer EU-China ties mean for U.S.-China competition?
Medeiros was a key advisor on China policy during the Obama administration. He is currently a professor at Georgetown University.