Thread by @wmiddelkoop

‘China’s growing diplomatic and military pressure against Taiwan is the main source of cross-Strait tension. Countries on both sides of the Atlantic are increasingly worried about the potential of a military conflict’

merics.org/en/report/mind…

‘.. it is evident that a major crisis in the Indo- Pacific would have immediate repercussions for European security as the US would redeploy military resources from Europe and adjacent areas.’

‘In sum, convergence is real, but important voices have warned against Eu- rope taking sides in what some perceive as a competition primarily between the US and China...’

‘French President Emmanuel Macron said, “a situation to join all together against China, this is a scenario of the highest possible conflictuality. This one, for me, is counterproductive.”’

‘Chancellor Angela Merkel said much the same and argued against the “building of blocs.” .. European reluctance about entering into confrontation with China is also evident in surveys.’

‘However, there have been a range of level playing field issues between the US and the EU themselves that have distracted them from jointly tackling level playing field issues North American and European companies face in China.’ 😉