**Trump Shifts Focus Away from China’s Role in Ukraine War**
In a surprising move, US President Donald Trump is reportedly prioritizing other aspects of the US-China relationship over Beijing’s support for Russia’s war effort in Ukraine. This change in approach marks a departure from the long-held stance of the US and its G7 partners, who have consistently condemned China as a key enabler of Russia’s actions.
According to officials familiar with internal discussions, Trump’s administration has lowered the issue of Russia’s war against Ukraine on its list of foreign policy priorities. Instead, they are focusing on bilateral issues such as tariffs, technology restrictions, and rare earths. This shift in focus comes despite China’s continued support for Moscow through exports that include dual-use components and sanctioned technologies used in weapons production.
**A Break from Biden’s Approach**
This pivot reflects Trump’s desire to break with the foreign policy priorities of former President Joe Biden, who viewed relations with other governments largely through the lens of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In contrast, Trump is reportedly reluctant to directly criticize China’s role in aiding Russia while he continues talks with Putin aimed at brokering a ceasefire.
The change in approach has been met with frustration from some US officials and allies, particularly Senator Lindsey Graham, who is pushing for new sanctions against Russia, including measures targeting Chinese and Indian purchases of discounted Russian oil. Graham’s bill has gained strong bipartisan support, with over 80 co-sponsors in the Senate.
**European Pressure on China**
While Trump’s stance may have shifted, the European Union has maintained public pressure on China, accusing Beijing of fueling Russia’s war through dual-use exports. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas recently accused China of providing critical components to Moscow, including drone parts, while restricting similar exports to Ukraine and the West.
**A Critical Moment**
The US-China relationship is at a critical moment, with Trump’s administration prioritizing economic and trade issues over concerns about Russia’s war in Ukraine. As tensions between the US and Russia continue to rise, the international community is watching closely to see how this shift will impact global stability.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
