Trump’s Hardline on Russia and China Sparks Global Unease as Trade Moves Backfire

By Editor in Chief Last updated Sep 17, 2025

In a fresh escalation of his combative foreign policy style, US President Donald Trump on Monday renewed his attack on Europe’s continued energy ties with Moscow, once again pressing the European Union to “stop buying oil from Russia” as the war in Ukraine grinds on.

Speaking to reporters, Trump bluntly declared, “Zelensky’s gonna have to make a deal. And Europe has to stop buying oil from Russia.

” His remarks reinforced his long-standing view that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy should directly negotiate with Vladimir Putin, signaling his impatience with prolonged Western support for Kyiv.

Dictating Terms Abroad, Ignoring Fallout at Home

What sets Trump apart from his predecessors is the tone and manner in which he dictates terms to other nations, often disregarding diplomatic balance.

While earlier US leaders pushed allies toward consensus through persuasion, Trump has openly demanded compliance, challenging the sovereignty of Europe, India, and even NATO partners.

He lashed out at European sanctions against Russia, dismissing them as “not tough enough”, and insisted that EU measures should mirror the severity of his own. “Europe is buying oil from Russia. I don’t want them to buy oil — and the sanctions they’re putting on are not tough enough,” he argued.

Yet, Trump’s aggressive trade stance has already begun to boomerang back onto Washington’s own global standing.

Many nations are quietly recalibrating their strategies, wary of over-dependence on US policies that appear both unpredictable and unilateral.

India Pushes Back Against Tariffs

In a move that further complicated global dynamics, Trump imposed 25 percent reciprocal tariffs on India, alongside an additional 25 percent levy on New Delhi’s imports of Russian oil.

India swiftly condemned the action, labeling it “unjustified and unreasonable,” and firmly vowed to protect its national interests and economic security.

The step not only soured relations with one of America’s key strategic partners in Asia but also highlighted the risks of Trump’s combative trade posture, which threatens to fracture alliances rather than strengthen them.

Targeting China: Demands for Steep Sanctions

Trump also turned his ire toward China, accusing Beijing of propping up Russia’s military capacity. He urged NATO allies to impose steep sanctions — between 50 and 100 percent — on Beijing, further inflaming tensions in the global economy.

China, however, flatly rejected the accusations. Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during a meeting with Slovenian counterpart Tanja Fajon, stressed that Beijing “does not participate in or plan wars.” He cautioned that sanctions only serve to “complicate conflicts” and instead called for peace talks and stronger cooperation with Europe.

The World Watches Carefully

Trump’s confrontational tone, combined with his heavy-handed economic measures, has left much of the world in a wait-and-watch mode.

While nations are unwilling to openly defy Washington, they are simultaneously preparing strategies to hedge against the unpredictability of Trump’s next move.

Diplomats note a growing sense of unease, with countries quietly questioning whether Trump’s approach is eroding America’s global leadership role.

For now, most capitals are biding their time, strengthening regional alliances, and devising ways to shield themselves from collateral damage triggered by Trump’s policies.

The Bigger Picture

In sharp contrast to past US Presidents, who often prioritized coalition-building and quiet diplomacy, Trump’s forceful attempts to dictate terms to allies and rivals alike appear to be isolating Washington instead of consolidating its influence.

As his policies begin to backfire, the global community is adapting, ensuring they are not caught off guard by his unpredictable maneuvers.

For many, Trump’s approach represents not just a shift in policy but a fundamental departure from the traditional playbook of American leadership. Whether this strategy strengthens US leverage or accelerates its diplomatic isolation remains the unanswered question that much of the world is watching closely.