China warned not to mistake US fatigue for European pivot

A recent opinion article cautions China not to misinterpret perceived US strategic fatigue as an indication that Europe is inclined to shift away from its transatlantic partnerships. Although the weakening of US alliances may present an opportunity for China, European defense budgets are expected to nearly double by 2030, reaching approximately US$750 billion. Additionally, discussions about a 'European NATO' backup framework are gaining traction following Berlin's change of stance. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized that NATO's most significant danger lies in internal fragmentation. Meanwhile, Chinese analysts are examining US military limitations; a CSIS report on the US-Israeli operations against Iran suggests that US forces have utilized about half of their Patriot interceptors, 53-80% of THAAD systems, and around 45% of Precision Strike Missiles, with replenishment potentially taking one to four years.