Trump's reversal in Ukraine aids Beijing, Western officials say
4 Min Read
An NBC News report reveals that the US broke from its traditional stance at the UN, siding with Russia against a resolution condemning Moscow’s actions in Ukraine.
-
President Donald Trump listens during a Cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington, on February 26, 2025. (Pool via AP)
According to NBC News, the US broke from its long-standing stance at the UN on Monday, siding with Russia to vote against a resolution condemning Moscow’s role in the war in Ukraine.
This came after Trump announced peace talks without Ukraine’s involvement and accused Kiev of starting the war.
According to the report, European and democratic governments view these actions as a major upheaval, with former diplomat James Bindenagel describing them as a "fundamental shift." Facing NATO tariff threats and discussions about acquiring Greenland, allies are reconsidering US reliability.
An opportunity for China
With US reliability in question, some European nations may seek new partners, possibly in China, said James Bindenagel, a former senior US diplomat who served for years in Germany.
"The loss of trust in America creates a vacuum," he warned, and this could be filled by cooperation among Moscow, Beijing, Pyongyang, and Tehran. Calling China "the real winner here," he noted that Trump’s pivot from Europe, gave Beijing an opening to expand its influence.
According to the report, Ukraine and its European allies fear that Trump’s quick reconciliation with Moscow could sideline them in a ceasefire deal. However, Putin stressed that trust between Russia and the US must be rebuilt first.
On that note, the report highlights that diplomatic expulsions over the past decade have left US and Russian embassies severely understaffed. Meanwhile, Michael Green, chief executive officer of the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney, said that senior officials in Japan, Australia, Indonesia, and Thailand have noted China stepping in as a preferred partner.
Furthermore, the Trump administration’s stance on Ukraine has raised concerns in Asia about Washington’s commitment to Taiwan. Before meeting Trump, French President Macron asked, "How can you, then, be credible in the face of China if you’re weak in the face of Putin?"
In turn, the report mentioned that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth argued that reducing military aid to Ukraine would let the US shift focus to the Asia-Pacific. However, Singapore’s Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen remarked that America, once seen as a beacon of "moral legitimacy," now looks like "a landlord seeking rent."
Trump's 'America First' policy
The report noted that the Trump administration defends its approach as a strategy to encourage allies to increase defense spending, rebalance trade, and end the war in Ukraine.
"President Trump’s America First approach to diplomacy prioritizes what’s in the best interest of the United States," said Brian Hughes, White House National Security Council spokesperson.
Moreover, in Europe, there is growing concern about a future without US support. Friedrich Merz, expected to become Germany’s next chancellor, questioned NATO’s survival, stating, "After Donald Trump’s statements in the last week, it is clear that the Americans are largely indifferent to the fate of Europe."
Additionally, former officials warn that NATO and the EU lack the military and economic strength to secure Ukraine’s future without US backing. "Russia is not an all-powerful adversary," said James Bindenagel, but it is "far more determined than we are."
Despite tensions, Trump supporters argue his policies will ultimately strengthen NATO. Nile Gardiner of the Heritage Foundation said European defense spending increases reflect the "Trump effect," adding, "Trump’s goal is to leave NATO in far, far stronger shape four years from now."
