In Europe, China’s charm offensive is increasing falling on deaf ears, as attitudes harden, in part due to Beijing’s tacit support for Russia in its war against Ukraine.

According to polls, Germans want the EU to shield their companies in similar ways the United States and China do. Transatlantic unity, however, offers a better chance for fundamentally rebuilding Germany’s economy.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine caused a surge in support for the country’s EU membership. However there already signs that support may be cooling. And doubts persist about whether Ukraine can fulfil the many accession criteria.