European leaders have been avoiding taking sides since Barack Obama suggested that America should focus on Asia in its competition with China. They hoped to maintain stability in the relationship between the two superpowers and balance their interests. However, the Trump administration's actions against China and the recent alliance between the US, Britain, and Australia have disrupted this balance. The alliance will allow Australia to deploy nuclear-powered submarines in the Pacific, but it also led to the cancellation of a $66 billion deal for Australia to purchase French diesel-powered subs. Thomas Gomart, the director of the French Institute of International Relations, stated that Europeans are trying to avoid making a decision between the United States and China. The Biden administration, like the Trump administration, is forcing them to make a choice. France was upset by this, but it may have a positive aspect for their broader goals. French President Emmanuel Macron has been a strong advocate for Europe's "strategic autonomy," believing that Europe should maintain a balanced relationship with both the United States and China. The European Union's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell Fontelles, also expressed the need for Europe to be self-sufficient. The French were embarrassed by the sudden announcement of the submarine deal by the Americans, which came after the chaotic events in Afghanistan. European allies were angry at the lack of consultation by the Biden administration, reinforcing Macron's argument that the US is not a reliable security partner. Analysts are unsure if France can use this setback to promote strategic autonomy, as some see it as a self-serving move by the French. Europe's balancing act is becoming more difficult to maintain, according to Rosa Balfour, director of Carnegie Europe. She emphasized the importance of Europe thinking carefully about its position and actions. Balfour stated that while it is desirable for Europe to increase defense spending, it also needs allies such as Britain and the United States. She also highlighted that building its own security capacity is crucial for Europe to have more influence with its partners. The AUKUS alliance aims to incorporate Australia and Britain into the larger American strategy to counter China's security threats. Analysts agree that the United States and Britain offer Australia a stronger deterrent against China in the Indo-Pacific compared to France, whose relations with Beijing have weakened. Ian Lesser of the German Marshall Fund stated that the partnership with the US and UK sends a significant message to Beijing, especially benefiting Australia. He also emphasized the importance of the partners involved in sending this signal. Lesser questioned the need to view American actions in the Pacific as diminishing Europe's importance, noting that the US remains committed to European security. The European Union may struggle to find 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 uncertain if the rest of the European bloc is willing to follow suit and distance themselves 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 questions about America's reliability as a security partner in the future, especially in a conflict with China. In Poland, there is a more positive reaction to the new alliance, with a focus on standing against China and defending the free world, rather than pivoting away from Europe. However, there are criticisms from some European allies that the Biden administration is not consulting them and disregarding their interests. "He mentioned that this time it was the French, but in the case of Nord Stream 2, we were abandoned in favor of Germany," he stated. This refers to Biden's choice to permit the construction of a gas pipeline from Russia to Germany, bypassing Ukraine and Poland, which was important for Berlin. Baranowski added that the US may claim to be strengthening alliances with Germany and Australia, but other allies end up suffering as a result. Balfour of Carnegie Europe noted that Europeans would rather not anger China in terms of their relations with the country. According to the speaker, European allies have been hesitant to take a more aggressive stance on China and are aware of the importance of engaging in discussions with China regarding climate and trade. It would be beneficial if Europe could continue talks with China without being seen as forming a security alliance against it. The speaker believes that if the European Union can handle this diplomatically, it could prevent the world from being divided into pro or anti-China camps, which is the narrative that Beijing is promoting.