China is now attempting to exploit recent statements and actions made by the Trump Administration against Europe, with China’s Special Representative for European Affairs, Lu Shaye stating yesterday that he was “appalled” by the way President Trump had treated allies in Europe, while adding that a peace deal in Ukraine should not be dictated by the United States and Russia alone, but also by Ukraine itself and Europe. Lu further stated to Chinese state media, “Are people still asking whether China is leaning towards Russia? If they are, they should blame the U.S. too. The U.S. is not only leaning towards Russia, they are supporting Russia.”

These kind of statements from Chinese officials, especially known “Wolf Warriors” like Lu Shaye, will likely continue over the coming weeks and months ahead, as the Trump Administration pursues its inflammatory rhetoric against Europe, NATO and Ukraine. China will attempt to exploit this to the full degree, as they wish to increase and eventually normalize relations with Europe, which have soured in recent years due to China’s clear support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.