UK PM Starmer in Beijing: Is Europe Turning East After Trump’s Shockwaves?

US President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff threats and confrontational diplomacy are reshaping global alignments in an increasingly multipolar world. From disparaging Europe to making contentious claims on Greenland and NATO’s role in Afghanistan, Trump’s actions have strained ties with long-standing allies. As trust in Washington erodes, European leaders are steadily turning eastward. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s landmark visit to China, his first since taking office signals this shift, as London seeks economic opportunities and strategic balance. With several global leaders engaging Beijing, China is positioning itself as a key beneficiary of changing power equations, capitalising on Western discord to strengthen its global influence.