As transatlantic divorce plays out in Munich, China enjoys the silence
A major geopolitical realignment is happening while China watches from the sidelines.
Deep Dive
At the 2026 Munich Security Conference, a significant shift occurred as the US redirected its rhetorical focus from China to Europe. US officials like VP J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio framed Europe itself as a potential threat, discussing "civilisational erasure." This transatlantic tension pushed China down the agenda, with Chinese delegates noting they felt like observers rather than primary targets for the first time in over a decade.
Why It Matters
This strategic pivot could reshape global alliances and give China diplomatic breathing room on the world stage.