In a recent government meeting, experts discussed the growing influence of China in Europe and its implications for transatlantic relations. The discussions highlighted the strategic challenges posed by China's increasing presence in Eastern Europe, particularly in Georgia, which is seen as a potential battleground for influence between China and Russia. The ruling Georgian Dream party has reportedly been backing away from Western commitments, raising concerns about the country's alignment with Chinese interests, especially following the recent awarding of a deep-sea port project to a Chinese state-controlled entity.

Peter Rowe, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, emphasized that the Sino-American competition hinges significantly on Europe's orientation. He warned that China's alliance with Russia poses a direct threat to the transatlantic alliance, particularly as both nations engage in military exercises and deepen economic ties. Rowe noted that trade between China and Russia reached a record high of $240 billion in 2023, complicating efforts to isolate Russia from China.

The meeting also addressed the need for a coordinated response from Europe to counter Chinese influence. Ivana Karaskova, a China expert, pointed out that European nations have begun to recognize China as a strategic rival rather than a partner, particularly in light of the war in Ukraine. However, she cautioned that Europe's response remains fragmented due to varying levels of economic dependence on China among member states.

Experts called for the United States to play a pivotal role in reinforcing European resilience against Chinese influence. They suggested that the U.S. should support initiatives aimed at diversifying supply chains and enhancing cyber defenses, while also addressing the challenges posed by governments in Europe that maintain closer ties with China.

The discussions underscored the urgency for a unified transatlantic strategy to address the multifaceted challenges posed by China's growing assertiveness in Europe, emphasizing that the future of the transatlantic alliance may depend on how effectively these challenges are met.