[New U.S. Security Strategy ①] China, Russia "Welcome" vs. Europe "Interference"... Mixed Reactions Worldwide

Chinese Foreign Ministry: "The Path to U.S.-China Coexistence"
Russian Kremlin: "Aligned with Our Vision"
Europe Responds with Strong Backlash

Countries are showing mixed reactions to the new National Security Strategy (NSS) of the Donald Trump administration, which stands in stark contrast to the policies of previous U.S. administrations. China and Russia, which have traditionally been regarded as strategic rivals, are responding positively to the unexpectedly moderate language. In contrast, long-standing European allies are reacting strongly to the U.S. warning of "civilizational erasure," denouncing it as "interference in internal affairs."

For example, the previous Joe Biden administration labeled China as the "greatest challenge" and Russia as an "immediate threat" in its NSS. The first Trump administration took a similar stance, stating, "China and Russia challenge American power, influence, and interests and seek to undermine the security and prosperity of the United States." However, the second Trump administration's NSS is the complete opposite. According to The New York Times, while the NSS mentions China more than any other country, it places greater emphasis on commercial relations rather than strategic competition, and does not mention nuclear weapons or cyberattacks at all.

The new NSS avoids direct references to China, stating that the United States will "recalibrate its economic relationship with China to restore American economic independence, prioritizing reciprocity and fairness." It also notes that maintaining a "mutually beneficial economic relationship" with China would contribute to U.S. economic growth.

On the sensitive issue of Taiwan, the Biden administration had stated, "We oppose any unilateral change to the status quo." This time, however, the language has been softened to "We do not support unilateral changes to the status quo."

In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jia-kun said at a briefing on December 8, "China has always believed that cooperation between China and the United States benefits both sides, while confrontation harms both. Mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation are the only correct and realistic choices for China-U.S. relations." This statement, emphasizing the importance of U.S.-China cooperation, has been interpreted as a welcoming stance toward the Trump administration's NSS.

There is also no language designating Russia as a direct threat, nor is there any criticism of the war in Ukraine. Only four paragraphs are devoted to Russia, stating that quickly ending hostilities in Ukraine is a core U.S. interest, as it would stabilize the European economy and prevent further escalation of the war.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, when asked about the new U.S. NSS on December 7, replied, "In many ways, it aligns with our vision." He also told TASS news agency that it was a "positive step" and "in contrast to the approach of previous U.S. administrations."

Reuters Yonhap News

In contrast, the new NSS expresses deep distrust toward Europe, a traditional ally. The European edition of the political news outlet Politico analyzed that the NSS directs its harshest language and sharpest criticism at Europe.

The new NSS criticizes Europe's open immigration policies and excessive regulations, diagnosing that Europe faces the grim prospect of "civilizational erasure." It accuses the European Union of trampling on key principles of democracy and highly praises anti-immigration far-right parties as "patriotic European parties." This perspective is seen as an extension of Vice President J.D. Vance's controversial speech at the Munich Security Conference in February.

Europe has responded with fierce backlash. Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, countered, "Allies do not threaten to intervene in the political life or democratic choices of other allies," adding, "The United States cannot speak for Europe about our vision or what freedom of expression means." Euronews assessed this as the most resolute statement from the EU since the U.S. criticized Europe in the NSS and urged a policy shift.

German Foreign Minister Johann Badefull acknowledged that the United States is the most important ally within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), but expressed displeasure, stating that issues within Germany are not for the U.S. to interfere in.