cross-posted from: https://lemmy.zip/post/47329939
French Trade Minister Laurent Saint-Martin signalled openness to Chinese investment on Wednesday, floating a détente with Beijing as the EU grapples with trade tensions with Washington.
Eu has to cut it’s reliance on usa, but chasing closer ties with china is beyond stupid, has eu learned nothing.
South Korea is a much smaller example but in the same boat. Getting absolutely bullied and disrespected. Came out and announced they would be forming more mature relations with China this week after Trump made an ass of himself to the Korean delegation last week.
For a smaller power, playing the two sides against each other so you hopefully get protected from each a bit is about the best play/outcome you can hope for.
It’s unfortunate that the eu remains a playground for major powers, so playing both sides against each other may indeed be the only viable strategy.