The Point with Liu Xin – January 23, 2026

I had the privilege to be one of the panelists in yesterday’s (01/23/2026) edition of CGTN’s The Point with Liu Xin. The main theme of the discussion will be: “Do European Allies Still Matter to the United States?” The panelists were as follows:

Prof. Anna Rosario Malindog-Uy
Vice President for External Affairs
Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute
Secretary General, Association for Philippines-China Understanding (APCU)
Location: Beijing

Prof. Michele Geraci
Former Undersecretary of State
Italian Ministry of Economic Development
Location: Rome

Prof. Klaus Larres
History & International Affairs
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Washington, DC

Lyu Xiang
Research Fellow, Institute of American Studies
Chinese Academy of Social Sciences
Location: Beijing

The discussion focused on the evolving state of U.S.–Europe relations and the strategic relevance of European allies to the United States. In light of recent developments, this topic has drawn increasing international attention and debate.

Also, the panel discussion took place amid renewed tensions between the United States and Europe, particularly following ongoing frictions surrounding Greenland and a series of recent statements and policy signals from former U.S. President Donald Trump. These include public criticism of U.S. allies, renewed tariff threats against several European countries, and growing uncertainty regarding Washington’s approach to its transatlantic partners. Notably, Trump has returned to the World Economic Forum in Davos for the first time in six years, where he led the largest-ever U.S. delegation and delivered an in-person address. Within this context, we explored the following questions during the program:

-How should Europe’s current predicament be understood, and what are the concrete manifestations of its strategic dilemma?

-From a U.S. policy perspective, how have Europe’s more restrained or conciliatory approaches been interpreted in Washington? Have they affected the balance of influence within the alliance?

-Do you see signs that Europe is reassessing how it engages with Washington? In your view, has there been any meaningful shift in Europe’s policy posture toward the United States?

-As U.S. policy priorities continue to evolve, what strategic options does Europe realistically have to manage uncertainty while preserving the transatlantic relationship?

Source: CGTN
https://www.cgtn.com/tv/replay?id=CbfCBIA