The daily notes that the issue of sanctions against Russia “was already an sensitive topic” between Washington and Brussels. Now there is a risk that due to Trump's demands, it will increase tensions between China and the EU. The daily accuses Trump that “from returning to the White House, he tries to get closer to Moscow behind the back of allies.”
In particular – according to “Le Monde” – the American president “He ranges with the adoption of new retaliation against Russia, despite the insistent demands of European capitals, which see in this means to force Moscow to end the war” against Ukraine.
The conditions of such a step that Trump has set in recent days to European countries “one heavier than the other” – assesses the journal. He points out that “this is not the first time” when Trump exerts pressure on European allies before he agrees – or does not agree – to tighten restrictions against Russia.
Meanwhile, in the opinion of the journal, “There is no way that the Union would agree to the conditions set by the White House host regarding the raising of duties on imports from China”. As “Le Monde” explains, the EU “is afraid that he will bear the costs of the trade war between Washington and Beijing.”
The EU also does not want to deprive itself of the Chinese market, and prefers to the target of the enterprise bypassing sanctions against Russia. In addition, China has pressure measures to make sure that the EU will not get involved against them along with the United States: “both German car designers and great French companies from the aviation and luxurious goods need the Chinese market.”
“Le Monde” quotes the interlocutor, whom he presents as a “European source” assessing that Trump's demands are “a way to show that the United States is willing and actions would be blocked by Europe.” According to this interlocutor, “Donald Trump states that he cannot face China himself and needs us to create a block, but for now he does not force us yet to go to deeds.”
