Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s recent state visit to China yielded minimal rewards, despite significant concessions made to Beijing. The trip was marred by diplomatic humiliations that undermined both his personal standing and Britain’s reputation. Like other liberal leaders in Europe and Canada who dismissed President Trump’s ”tough love”. Starmer mistakenly believed that engaging with the communist regime would reduce Britain’s dependence on the United States. Furthermore, Starmer likely had hoped that a successful overseas trip would improve his low approval rating at home. However, Beijing sensed Starmer’s desperation and exploited it without mercy.
The more European leaders kowtow to Xi, the less Xi is interested in compromising and modifying China’s policies. He views Europe merely as a dumping ground for surplus goods and a wedge to divide and weaken the alliance between Europe and the United States. While receiving his European visitors like an emperor, Xi has categorically dismissed European concerns over issues such as human rights abuses, international espionage, interference in elections, and the dumping of electric vehicles. Furthermore, Xi has ignored European officials’ pleas that urge him to influence Russian President Putin to cease the conflict in Ukraine.
Therefore, European leaders need to stop seeking false goodwill from the Communist regime. Europe must learn that Xi Jinping only plays nice when faced with resolute strength, not bowing and scraping. The way forward for the continent is not by cozying up to Xi, but by strengthening the continent’s economies, defenses, and alliances — particularly with the United States. This involves addressing honest differences rather than resorting to denial and resentment. Anything less will continue to embolden Beijing and further undermine Europe’s security and relevance in a fast-changing world.