As traditional US allies hedge their bets, will China be the one to cash in?
Last Updated on February 7, 2026 6:00 pm
By Shi Jiangtao
China’s engagement with traditional US allies amid the turmoil of Donald Trump’s presidency may be a sign that it is moving away from its customary diplomatic approach in favour of a “wedge strategy” that some observers believe may help reshape global dynamics.
They point to the ways US partners are trying to keep as many doors open as possible – to insure themselves against both an erratic Washington and increasingly assertive Beijing.
At Davos last month, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney warned about “a rupture” in the US-led global order, urging “middle powers” to band together to survive in what he called a new “era of great-power rivalry”.
Carney is one of a number of Western leaders who have flocked to China this year, offering an opening for Beijing to blur the line between US partners and adversaries and weaken any potential anti-China coalition.
Last week’s visit by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, ending an eight-year diplomatic freeze, capped months of efforts by traditional US allies to reach out to Beijing as Trump’s behaviour places an increasing strain on these long-standing ties.
As well as Carney, January saw visits by leaders from Ireland, Finland and South Korea, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is weighing up plans for a visit.
Source :SCMP