In Moscow, Xi shows Europe he expects a poodle not a partner

President Donald Trump’s tariffs have created a major opportunity for China to gain leverage over Europe.

Recognizing the opportunity Trump has gifted him, Chinese president Xi Jinping recently waived sanctions on European Union parliamentarians and exchanged celebratory letters with EU leaders on the 50th anniversary of EU-China political relations. Xi hopes to dangle investment and cooperation as a remedy to the damage Trump’s tariffs will cause to already weak European economies. Trump’s unpredictability on Ukraine has also damaged America’s credibility as Europe’s ultimate partner of choice.