Europe Seeks a Foothold Between Washington and Beijing Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit

The United States and China are preparing for an anticipated meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Washington on September 24, at a time when Europe finds itself caught between the two major powers, according to a report by Deutsche Welle Arabic.

The report notes that European states are attempting to preserve their extensive economic interests with both Washington and Beijing without sacrificing the security considerations that traditionally bind them to the United States.

A Delicate Balance

The anticipated summit between Trump and Xi comes amid renewed trade and economic tensions between the world's two largest economies, making its outcome a matter of close attention for European capitals that fear any escalation between Washington and Beijing could have negative repercussions for their economies.

The specific issues that will formally top the summit's agenda have not yet been determined, according to the report, but trade tensions between the two countries remain the most prominent backdrop for the meeting.

European states are working through their diplomatic channels to ensure they are not left out of any understandings that may result from the meeting between the two presidents, given the potential implications for global trade and international security.