As one of America’s key European allies, Germany is exploring its own version of strategic autonomy — a low-profile and pragmatic version — not only for itself but also on behalf of Europe. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s recent trip to China was a notable touchstone.

Scholz’s visit helps set the narrative straight. China and Europe should set their own agenda, without the heavy hand of a third party. They should be guided by their hopes for the future, not their fears.

Scholz’s visit helps set the narrative straight. China and Europe should set their own agenda, without the heavy hand of a third party. They should be guided by their hopes for the future, not their fears.

Sanctions placed on Russia by Europe and the U.S. have only allowed Moscow to continue making money off exports, while simultaneously strengthening its relationship with Beijing.

There is uncertainty in the relationship between the EU, the U.S. and China due to the EU’s increased dependence on Russian Oil and Chinese goods and markets, amidst the Ukraine war and increased tensions between the U.S., China and Russia.

There is uncertainty in the relationship between the EU, the U.S. and China due to the EU’s increased dependence on Russian Oil and Chinese goods and markets, amidst the Ukraine war and increased tensions between the U.S., China and Russia.

Europe’s interests require that it strongly back the global trading system and establish multilateral independence toward other countries, especially China. Strategically autonomy, however, means the EU must break away from its reliance on Washington.

Europe’s interests require that it strongly back the global trading system and establish multilateral independence toward other countries, especially China. Strategically autonomy, however, means the EU must break away from its reliance on Washington.

China stands at a crossroads and will be key in determining whether two camps will take shape. President Xi Jinping’s global development and security initiatives inject confidence into a world industrial scheme that has lost momentum and an international order that has lost stability.

Europe has taken a strategic stance when it comes to its relationship with the U.S. and with China. While the U.S. has strengthened ties with its European allies to contain China, Europe also supports China’s monetary ambitions regarding the RMB.