China News Service, Beijing, June 25 (Guan Na) US President Joe Biden is about to start his fourth European trip during his term.
This trip is his second visit to Europe since the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.
Outside analysts believe that this visit, the Biden administration has three strategic intentions: unite Western forces and build an alliance with the United States at the core; transfer domestic pressure; continue to contain Russia.
Data map: US President Biden.
Recently, Biden first flew to South Korea and Japan to make his "debut" in Asian politics, and then held the Americas summit at home.
Before the summit in the Americas was over, the White House announced that Biden would travel to Germany for the G7 summit on June 25 and to Spain for the NATO member summit on June 28.
Can the busy schedule help the United States achieve these strategic intentions?
The two summits highlight the triple intention of the United States
The White House said that at the G7 summit, the leaders will mainly discuss issues such as the situation in Ukraine, food security and energy security.
And at the NATO summit, leaders will approve a new strategic concept to guide NATO's transformation over the next decade to strengthen deterrence and defense.
However, several foreign media pointed out that the two meetings are expected to continue to focus on the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, including how to contain Russia.
Smoke rises after an explosion in Kyiv, Ukraine, June 5, 2022.
What is the purpose of Biden's visit to Europe this time?
Jiang Shixue, a distinguished professor at Shanghai University, believes that this trip highlights the triple strategic intention of the United States.
First, unite Western forces and build an alliance with the United States at its core.
The purpose of the alliance is to target countries such as Russia.
Second, divert domestic attention.
The mid-term elections are approaching, but the Biden administration has plummeted in popularity due to crises such as high inflation, the risk of recession, and the proliferation of gun violence.
Visiting at this time may help Biden shift his domestic attention.
Third, continue to introduce a new round of sanctions against Russia.
Since Western sanctions against Russia have done little to curb its economy, the sanctions could be intensified this time around.
Can the United States coordinate the pace of Europe?
Russian media said that Biden's last trip to Europe "annoyed Russia, disappointed Ukraine, and worried Europe."
Biden, who visits Europe again, will also face huge challenges.
Jiang Shixue pointed out that there are some cracks in the relationship between the United States and Europe at present.
The biggest challenge for Biden's trip is "whether it can really bring all the Western countries together and bring them into step with the United States."
Some analysts said that the United States hopes to unite the European Union against Russia, but there are huge differences between the United States and Europe and within Europe.
A senior French official told Reuters that the EU trades more with Russia than the United States and is more sensitive to sanctions against Russia, and the EU needs to see the "sincerity" of the United States.
And many European countries have also realized that the reaction of sanctions against Russia has made their situation even more difficult.
Inflation, soaring energy prices, a cost-of-living crisis, and the resulting protests and strikes have left people miserable.
There are also reflections in Europe that "should not blindly follow the United States".
Data map: On March 3, the vehicle passed a gas station in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a city in southwestern France.
Not only that, but there are also differences within NATO.
Turkey has repeatedly opposed Finland and Sweden's application to join NATO. Turkey also stated that it "will not regard the NATO Madrid summit as the deadline for Sweden and Finland to join the alliance or a turning point in the accession process", showing its intention to refuse again.
In the face of differences and challenges, can Biden's trip achieve its purpose?
Jiang Shixue believes that "Biden's trip to Europe will have certain benefits: he can strengthen communication and coordinate positions with Western countries, but whether the goal of this trip can be achieved depends on the game between the United States and Europe." (End)