Trump’s pressure campaign pushes Western allies into China’s embrace

Governments across the Western world are increasingly seeking political and economic alternatives to reduce their dependence on the Trump administration, initiating a strategic rapprochement with China. This shift serves as a direct response to Washington’s intensified efforts to bring its North American and European allies to heel.

According to an analysis by German Foreign Policy, Canada—currently facing threats of annexation from Washington—became the first to break ranks last week by signing a strategic partnership agreement with China.

During a high-profile address at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Prime Minister Mark Carney justified the decision by pointing to a “breakdown in the world order,” noting that major powers are no longer “imposing constraints” upon themselves. Carney argued that the only way to avoid subjugation is through broad cooperation with other states.

The United Kingdom is similarly attempting to reconstruct its ties with the People’s Republic of China, while Berlin and Brussels continue to send conflicting signals. Assessing the consequences of US power politics, the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) recently posited a provocative claim: “Trump is making China great again.”

Canada takes the lead in re-engaging China

In his Tuesday speech at Davos, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described a “rupture in the world order” and the “onset of a brutal reality where geopolitical relations between major powers are no longer subject to constraints.”

Carney acknowledged that the so-called rules-based international order, frequently invoked by Western nations in recent decades, was built on double standards. He noted that trade rules had been applied “asymmetrically” and that the law was enforced with varying degrees of rigor “depending on the identity of the accused or the victim.”

While this arrangement remained profitable for the West for a long period, Carney suggested the landscape has shifted for countries like Canada. He observed that major powers are now utilizing economic warfare to force other nations into submission.

For middle powers, Carney argued the challenge is not merely “adapting to a new reality,” as “everyone is already forced to adapt.” Warning against isolationism, he advocated for “variable geometry”—a flexible foreign policy involving different coalitions for different interests.

A strategic partnership with Beijing

Canada has already begun implementing this new doctrine. In mid-January, during the first visit by a Canadian head of government to Beijing since 2017, Carney signed a new “strategic partnership” agreement with China.

This partnership envisions robust cooperation in the energy sector, with Carney actively encouraging Chinese energy investment in Canada during his visit. Most notably, Canada is slashing tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle (EV) imports from 100% to 6.1%, a reduction applicable to up to 49,000 units. Furthermore, Chinese firms will assist in establishing EV supply chains within Canada.

In return, China agreed to lower the retaliatory high tariffs it had previously imposed on Canadian goods. Canada aims to increase its exports to China by 50% by 2030.

Deeper political cooperation is also on the agenda. Carney plans to return to China in November for the APEC summit in Shenzhen. By doing so, Ottawa is effectively bypassing Washington’s pressure to decouple from Beijing while simultaneously creating alternatives to US business dominance.

ECFR: Trump is making China great again

The Trump administration’s attempt to coerce Canada appears to have backfired, pushing the country toward closer cooperation with China—a trend that is unlikely to remain an isolated case.

A recent survey published by the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) confirms this trajectory. The poll, conducted in November 2025 across 21 countries, shows a significant decline in the percentage of people who view the US as an ally with shared values and interests.

In Brazil, this figure dropped from 29% to 26%, while in the UK, it plummeted from 37% to 25%. Conversely, the perception of China as a partner is rising. In Brazil, it grew from 24% to 27%, and in India—a country with a traditional wariness of Beijing—it doubled from 11% to 22%.

In nearly every surveyed nation, the number of people viewing the People’s Republic as an ally or partner now outweighs those who see it as a rival or enemy. As Washington’s allies increasingly fear becoming “victims of a predatory US,” the ECFR noted that “the world seems to be opening up to China.” The council titled its analysis: “How Trump is making China great again.”

Canada is Not Alone: Britain’s quiet flirtation with China

Similar maneuvers are emerging across other Western capitals. Reports indicate that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is planning a visit to Beijing next week. According to insiders, the trip aims to revive the “golden era” of British-Chinese economic relations celebrated a decade ago.

On Tuesday, London approved long-stalled plans to build China’s largest European embassy at the historic Royal Mint Court near the Tower of London. The move is seen by Beijing as a necessary gesture of goodwill to strengthen bilateral ties.

Alongside Starmer’s visit, the UK-China CEO Council—a major economic forum established in 2018 but later shuttered—is set to be reactivated. Major British firms including HSBC, BP, Rolls-Royce, and AstraZeneca have reportedly expressed interest, matched by Chinese giants such as the Bank of China, China Mobile, and EV manufacturer BYD.

However, observers caution that interference and obstruction from external powers remain a distinct possibility.

The EU’s hesitation: Seeking a balance with Russia

The response from Germany and the European Union remains ambiguous. On one hand, Brussels is showing signs of a thaw with Beijing regarding electric vehicles.

In November 2024, the European Commission aligned with the US by imposing heavy tariffs on Chinese EV imports. However, last week it reversed course, setting aside those tariffs in favor of rules establishing minimum price floors for Chinese vehicles.

Conversely, the Commission is drafting new cybersecurity regulations that could ban all components from Chinese tech giants Huawei and ZTE, a move likely to escalate tensions.

Reports suggest German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will travel to China in late February accompanied by a high-profile business delegation. Last week, Merz argued that Russia is “a European country” and expressed hope for an eventual balance with Russia as “Europe’s largest neighbor.” According to German Foreign Policy, such a statement would have been unthinkable just years ago, signaling a historical German tendency to look East for balance when Western alliances fracture.

Plans for Europe as a military power

Speaking at Davos on Thursday, Merz stated that the world has “crossed the threshold into a new era of great power competition” that leaves Europe “exposed to challenges and dangers.” He argued this necessitates a “stronger Europe.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed this sentiment on Tuesday, stating that current “geopolitical shocks” confirm the “need to create a new form of European independence.”

According to von der Leyen, this independence should be pursued through “dialogue with our friends and partners,” but also, if necessary, with “our rivals.”

Neither Merz nor von der Leyen left any doubt that this “sovereign Europe” is not intended to be the “civilian power” of the past. Instead, they envision a heavily armed military bloc capable of engaging in conflict even against major powers to secure its interests.