Febuary 20, 2021

US President Joe Biden predictably used his first multilateral appearances since taking office to rally support from allies to confront China, but faced a wall, as cooperation with China is inevitable for Europe to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges and using "ideology" to glue the alliance together is losing its attraction.

In a speech to the virtual G7 summit, Biden stressed the need for US and allies to collectively deal with economic threats posed by China. At the Munich Security Conference, Biden said "We must prepare together for long-term strategic competition with China," and vowed to restart multilateralism after four years of "America first" policies.

"I know the past few years have strained and tested our transatlantic relationship, but the United States is determined - determined - to re-engage with Europe, to consult with you, to earn back our position of trusted leadership," he said. He told the virtual online audience: "America is back."

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