Hong Kong: Global respect for the United States hit a new low on February 28, following a controversial televised meeting at the White House where President Donald Trump and Vice-President JD Vance publicly criticized Ukraine’s leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Analysts warn that the primary beneficiaries of this shift are Moscow and Beijing, signaling troubling times ahead for smaller nations and regional hotspots like Taiwan.
The rapid pivot of US foreign policy, seen as aligning with Vladimir Putin‘s viewpoint, has raised alarms worldwide. Russian state media commented that global power is now concentrated in a “big triangle” of Russia, China, and the US, asserting that the European Union has lost its influence as a unified political force.
On the same day as the White House incident, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Chinese state media described the bilateral relationship as reaching an “unprecedented high level”. Xi emphasized the “ironclad friendship” between China and Russia, calling for deeper strategic coordination and practical cooperation to advance mutual interests.
US Retreat and Fallout in Europe
Since taking office 40 days ago, Trump has been accused of dismantling transatlantic cooperation and jeopardizing the future of NATO. His administration’s approach has been described as prioritizing deals over principles and money over morals. Trump’s actions, including his reported willingness to cede 20% of Ukraine’s territory to Russia as reparations, have been met with outrage.
Malcolm Davis, a Senior Analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), condemned the administration’s stance as “absolutely shameful” and warned that it could lead to a global conflict within the decade. He argued that Trump’s alignment with Putin undermines decades of efforts to protect Western democracies since 1939.
The US’s unexpected vote alongside Russia and North Korea at the United Nations General Assembly—condemning Moscow’s actions—further shocked the international community. Even China chose to abstain from the vote, highlighting the extent of the US’s diplomatic isolation.
Implications for Asia and Taiwan
China’s bold posture on Taiwan has intensified, with Senior Colonel Wu Qian from the Chinese Ministry of National Defense issuing direct threats to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Observers argue that Trump’s perceived weakness sends a dangerous message to Beijing, potentially emboldening Chinese ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region.
Ryan Hass, Director of the John L. Thornton China Center at the Brookings Institution, highlighted concerns about Trump’s indifference to defending democracy and countering aggressors. While noting Taiwan’s economic indispensability to the US, Hass warned of the spillover effects from Trump’s expansionist ambitions and disruption of alliances.
European Security at Risk
There are rising concerns in Europe about the future of the transatlantic alliance. Analysts suggest that if Trump continues to align with Moscow, Europe may need to re-evaluate its security posture and stand independently against Russian influence.
A social media post from a Japanese netizen, which garnered over 50,000 likes, encapsulated the growing anxiety in Asia: “If the US starts to stand with Russia, it will raise doubts about how much we can trust the US-Japan Security Treaty.” Discussions about Japan potentially pursuing nuclear weapons have even surfaced, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Espionage Concerns
Meanwhile, US intelligence agencies have reported increased attempts by China and Russia to recruit disgruntled American federal employees, particularly those laid off in recent restructuring moves attributed to Trump and his ally Elon Musk. The US Naval Criminal Investigative Service warned that foreign adversaries are exploiting vulnerabilities within America’s national security apparatus.
Conclusion
Trump’s foreign policy is being viewed as a “decisive break from the past”, but critics argue it is one that dangerously weakens US alliances while strengthening authoritarian regimes. As the world watches with apprehension, the question remains: Can the US reclaim its leadership role on the global stage, or will it continue to cede ground to Russia and China?