European leaders have long avoided taking sides between the US and China, hoping for a stable relationship between the two superpowers. However, the Trump administration's actions against China and the recent alliance announced by the Biden administration with Australia have disrupted this balance. Thomas Gomart, director of the French Institute of International Relations, said that Europeans are reluctant to choose between the United States and China. The Biden administration, like the Trump administration, is forcing them to make a decision. France was upset by this, but it may have a positive aspect as it aligns with French President Emmanuel Macron's goal of advocating for Europe's "strategic autonomy" in balancing relations with the US and China. Josep Borrell Fontelles, the EU's foreign policy chief, also emphasized the need for Europe to be self-sufficient like other countries. The French were embarrassed by the American announcement of the submarine deal, which came after the chaotic events in Afghanistan. European allies were angry with the Biden administration for not consulting them, further supporting French President Macron's argument that the United States is no longer a completely reliable security partner. Some analysts believe that France may try to use this situation to promote strategic autonomy, but others think that many Europeans will see it as a way for France to advance its own interests. However, it is clear that Europe's delicate balancing act is becoming increasingly challenging. According to Rosa Balfour, director of Carnegie Europe, Europe must carefully consider its position and actions. While it is important for Europe to increase defense spending, it also needs allies such as Britain and the United States. Balfour also believes that enhancing Europe's security capacity is crucial for gaining more influence with its partners. The formation of the new alliance AUKUS aims to incorporate Australia and Britain into the larger American strategy to counter China's security threats. Analysts agree that the partnership between America and Britain offers Australia a stronger deterrent against China in the Indo-Pacific compared to the deal with France, as it sends a significant signal to Beijing. Ian Lesser, from the German Marshall Fund, emphasized the importance of the partners involved in sending this signal. He also argued against interpreting American moves in the Pacific as diminishing Europe's importance, as he believes there is no decrease in American commitment to European security. The EU's main challenge may be finding the political will for strategic autonomy, as highlighted by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in her recent address. France is moving towards autonomy, but it is unclear if the rest of Europe is interested in distancing itself from the United States. There are concerns that France may end up isolating itself, as the US remains a critical partner in many regions where France has security interests. There are also doubts about the US's reliability as a security partner, especially if conflicts with China escalate. In Poland, a strong US ally, the response to the new alliance was more positive, focusing on the US's stance against China. However, there are criticisms that the Biden administration is not consulting with European allies. "He claimed that this time it was the French, but in the past it was Nord Stream 2 when we were abandoned for the benefit of Germany," he stated. This was in reference to Biden's choice to allow the completion of a Russian natural gas pipeline to Germany, bypassing Ukraine and Poland, which was a priority for Berlin. Baranowski remarked, "The US will once again claim that they are strengthening alliances with Germany and Australia. But who ultimately bears the consequences? Other allies." In terms of relations with China, Balfour of Carnegie Europe noted that Europeans would rather not anger Beijing. European allies are uneasy with aggressive stances on China but recognize the importance of discussing climate and trade with them. It would be beneficial if Europe could continue dialogue with China without being seen as forming a security alliance against them. The hope is that the European Union can handle this diplomatically and not align the world in a binary way against China, as Beijing is promoting.