Trump’s Trade War Impacts Global Alliances
This week, the focus of international attention shifts to U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war as he imposes significant tariffs on various nations. In a move that heightens tensions, Trump has announced a 50 percent tariff on Indian goods due to New Delhi’s ongoing purchases of Russian oil, amidst Western nations grappling with the implications of Russia’s war in Ukraine, reports 24brussels.
As Trump escalates economic conflicts, Russian President Vladimir Putin faces fresh sanctions related to the Ukraine invasion, further complicating international relations. Michael McFaul, a noted scholar and former U.S. Ambassador to Russia, questioned the rapid shift in alliances, stating, “How in the hell did Trump so alienate Modi that he’s now attending a summit with autocrats, Xi and Putin? Just last year, China and India were at war with each other!”
China’s President Xi Jinping and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi seem to be capitalizing on this geopolitical landscape to redefine their strained relationship, previously marred by territorial disputes and mistrust. Analysts are cautioning that the consequences of this renewed alliance extend beyond the borders of Asia. Chatham House experts Chietigj Bajpaee and Yu Jie emphasize, “What happens in this relationship matters to the rest of the world.”
In their analysis, they argue that if Western nations, particularly the United States, genuinely intend to support India as a bulwark against China, they must adjust their expectations regarding India’s capabilities. “India was never going to be the bulwark against China that the West thought it was. Modi’s China visit marks a potential turning point,” the analysts note.
Putin’s presence in China, expected to last through Wednesday, coincides with a significant military parade hosted by Xi to commemorate the end of World War II, following Japan’s surrender. Alongside Putin, North Korea’s Kim Jong Un and leaders from Slovakia and Serbia are slated to attend, highlighting the newfound alliances forming amidst shifting global power dynamics.
