Experts discussed the cooperation between China, Russia, and North Korea as a potential threat to global security. They noted the integration of Russia into China would not be simple, and Russian initiatives such as making Chinese a mandatory language in schools highlight the scale of change.
On the other side, the strength and strategic partnership of the US and European countries was emphasized, with combined economic and demographic potential. The panelists noted that deeper EU-China ties are unlikely, as their relationship depends on the course of Russia’s war in Ukraine. The EU remains firmly anti-China due to agreements with the US on tariffs as well as political and economic considerations.
The US strategy is aimed at weakening China and maintaining influence over Russia. The growing military cooperation between China, Russia, and North Korea could trigger a new arms race and consolidate democratic countries in response.
Experts are cautious about the prospects of a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine and acknowledge China's progress in military technology and the possibility of new US-led economic sanctions against China, especially if Donald Trump returns to power. In the meantime, Europe awaits Washington’s decisions, and the collective West is seen as having significant potential to deter aggression.
Overall, analysts agree that Europe, Ukraine, and the US possess strong capabilities for countering new challenges from the China-Russia alliance and its partners.
