Are America and Europe Aligned on China?

No audio? Hover over the video player, and tap the Click to Unmute button.

On-demand recordings of FP Live conversations are available to FP subscribers.

Last weekend, spy chiefs and defense officials from around the world descended on Singapore to attend the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia’s biggest annual security conference. The U.S. delegation was led by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who asked for a bilateral meeting with China’s new defense minister, Li Shangfu. The request was denied, perhaps in part because Li has been sanctioned by Washington for his role in the purchase of military equipment from Moscow.

Over the course of the three-day summit, which I attended, Li and Austin didn’t speak with each other; they spoke at each other. In dueling speeches, Austin summoned the usual Washington buzzwords—a “free and open Indo-Pacific”—and made the point that talks with China were necessary, not a bargaining chip. When Li’s turn came, he responded with familiar Beijing-speak, criticizing Western hypocrisy and Washington’s growing security partnerships in Asia.

But while China shut the United States out, it welcomed talks with Europe. EU foreign-policy chief Josep Borrell, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, and British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace all secured bilateral meetings with China’s Li.

The Singapore summit underscored how the U.S.-China relationship was different from that of Europe’s relationship with China, its biggest trading partner. But what is the substance of those differences, and will Beijing try to exploit them? For answers, FP’s Ravi Agrawal spoke to Cindy Yu, an assistant editor at the Spectator and the host of its Chinese Whispers podcast, and James Palmer, the writer of FP’s weekly China Brief newsletter. FP subscribers can watch the full discussion or read an edited and condensed transcript, exclusive to FP Insiders.

Watch Cindy Yu explain why the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act is the thorn in the side of U.S.-European unity on China policy.

FP’s James Palmer says the Biden administration’s shift to de-risking is intended to appease their European allies.

Read the Transcript

Upcoming Discussions

On Gaza and Morality

✓  

Registered

Ask a Question

Ask a Question

  1. Only FP subscribers can submit questions for FP Live interviews.

    ALREADY AN FP SUBSCRIBER?

  2. Only FP subscribers can submit questions for FP Live interviews.

    ALREADY AN FP SUBSCRIBER?

On-Demand from FP Live

FP at Davos: Fighting Cyber Wars

War has spread to the digital world. Cyberattacks can target civilian infrastructure, create new biothreats, and sow disinformation. What tools can private and governmental actors use to defend against these risks? At this year’s World Economic Forum summit, FP’s Ravi Agrawal moderated the session ​​“Defending the Cyber Frontlines,” in discussion with leaders in technology, defense, and humanitarian work.

  1. Only FP subscribers can submit questions for FP Live interviews.

    ALREADY AN FP SUBSCRIBER?

  2. Only FP subscribers can submit questions for FP Live interviews.

    ALREADY AN FP SUBSCRIBER?

Will Trump Actually Deport Millions?

Donald Trump says he believes he won the 2024 U.S. presidential election because of his stance on immigration. The president-elect has called undocumented workers “savage gangs” who should be subject to “the largest deportation operation in American history.” Columnist Edward Alden joined FP Live to explain what we know of Trump’s plans so far and how likely he is to enact them.

  1. Only FP subscribers can submit questions for FP Live interviews.

    ALREADY AN FP SUBSCRIBER?

  2. Only FP subscribers can submit questions for FP Live interviews.

    ALREADY AN FP SUBSCRIBER?

10 Conflicts to Watch in 2025

Every January in Foreign Policy, the International Crisis Group lists 10 conflicts to watch in the year ahead. But beyond Israel’s conflicts with Iran and Hamas, and the wars in Syria and Ukraine, what else should we be keeping an eye on? Join an FP Live conversation with the International Crisis Group’s president and CEO, Comfort Ero.

  1. Only FP subscribers can submit questions for FP Live interviews.

    ALREADY AN FP SUBSCRIBER?

  2. Only FP subscribers can submit questions for FP Live interviews.

    ALREADY AN FP SUBSCRIBER?

Fareed Zakaria Looks Ahead to 2025

Every January, FP Live dedicates one episode to looking ahead at the next calendar year. What will 2025 hold in store for global politics, conflict, and the world order? Join Ravi Agrawal in conversation with Fareed Zakaria, CNN host and bestselling author, for the second of a two-part series.

  1. Only FP subscribers can submit questions for FP Live interviews.

    ALREADY AN FP SUBSCRIBER?

  2. Only FP subscribers can submit questions for FP Live interviews.

    ALREADY AN FP SUBSCRIBER?

Foreign Policy’s forum for live journalism, convening experts and world leaders.

close Close

Loading graphics