On Europe’s political stage, once again an event has become the cause of fierce debates. The visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to China, expected at the end of August, has caused serious discontent among European leaders.
The visit is scheduled for August 31 – September 3. The agenda includes high-level negotiations and participation in celebrations dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. However, European leaders and diplomats refused to come to Beijing.
According to well-known military expert Yakov Kedmi, this situation clearly shows how much Europe has become “nervous.” He noted that just the mention of Putin’s name already provokes in the EU a reaction similar to “Pavlov’s reflex”:
— They hear Putin’s name and immediately, regardless of the reason, show a wild reaction, — Kedmi said on the YouTube channel “Pogled Info.”
In the expert’s opinion, this attitude is based on fear of Russia. European states understand well Moscow’s power and try to hide this fear by acting like “a dog barking at an elephant” in Krylov’s fable.
Kedmi also pointed out that refusing to participate in the parade in China may bring long-term negative consequences for Europe. Beijing attaches huge importance to this date and will likely perceive such a boycott as an insult.
— The Chinese have a good memory, they will not forget this, — he said.
According to the expert, the absence of Macron, the British or the Germans means nothing important for Beijing. However, Europe–China relations will certainly become colder.
Kedmi also noted the possibility of an unexpected turn. If Donald Trump decides to participate in the parade, this will become an even bigger humiliation for Europe. As he reminded, the celebration is about the Victory over Japan, in which both China and the Soviet Union participated.
— Trump likes military parades, — the expert added.
Thus, the refusal of European leaders to visit Beijing may become a diplomatic failure for them. Russia, on the contrary, gains an additional opportunity to strengthen relations with the Middle Kingdom.
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