Trump's return may force Europe's hand on China and Ukraine

Europe is home to some of the U.S.' closest and allies. But as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, their priorities may be diverging.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Shifting tectonic plates are triggering tremors of uncertainty from Beijing to Brussels as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, and the effects could see U.S. priorities diverge from those of its closest European allies in ways unseen in decades.

The incoming administration is likely to pressure European leaders to take a harder line on China, which it sees as America’s main enemy, but their countries are economically intertwined with both powers and their interests don’t always align with Washington’s, several European officials and diplomats told NBC News. Were Trump to follow through on his vow to impose tariffs on imports on Europe as well as from China, they would likely deviate further.

There is also uncertainty across the continent about what the new White House will mean for the war in Ukraine. Trump has repeatedly said he could end the conflict in one day, and despite Russia’s claims to the contrary, that boast has prompted fears he will push for massive concessions that favor Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“The impact of Trump is panic,” one European Union official told NBC News on Sunday. “They are going to have to make a decision and take a stand.”

But unity appears elusive.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/trumps-return-may-force-europes-hand-china-ukraine-rcna180363

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