[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. Traditionally wary nations such as China and Russia are responding positively to the unexpectedly moderate language, while long-standing European allies are reacting angrily to the United States' warning of "civilizational erasure," calling it "interference in internal affairs."

For example, the previous Joe Biden administration described 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, seeking to undermine the security and prosperity of the United States." However, the second Trump administration's NSS is the complete opposite. The New York Times pointed out that 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 economic relations with China to restore U.S. economic independence, prioritizing reciprocity and fairness." It also notes that maintaining a "mutually beneficial economic relationship" with China would help drive U.S. economic growth.

Regarding the Taiwan issue, which is highly sensitive for China, the Biden administration had stated that it "opposes any unilateral changes to the status quo." This time, however, the NSS merely says it "does not support unilateral changes to the status quo," lowering the tone of the statement.

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 right and only realistic choices for China-U.S. relations." This statement, emphasizing the importance of U.S.-China cooperation, is seen as a welcoming stance toward the Trump administration's NSS.

There are also no statements identifying Russia as a direct threat, nor is there any criticism of the war in Ukraine. Only four paragraphs are devoted to Russia, stating that the United States' core interest is to quickly end hostilities in Ukraine to 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, said, "In many ways, it aligns with our vision." He also told TASS news agency that it is a "positive step" and "stands in stark contrast to the approach of previous U.S. administrations."

Reuters Yonhap News

In contrast, the NSS expresses strong distrust toward traditional allies in Europe. Politico Europe analyzed that the NSS directs the harshest language and sharpest criticism at Europe, the United States' traditional ally.

The new NSS criticizes Europe's open immigration policies and excessive regulations, diagnosing that the continent faces the grim prospect of "civilizational erasure." It accuses the European Union of trampling on key principles of democracy and highly praises far-right, anti-immigration 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 described this as the strongest statement yet from the EU since the U.S. criticized Europe in its NSS and called for a policy shift.

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