President Biden closed the NATO summit with a sharp critique of Donald J. Trump’s dismissal of alliances and revealed a strategy to disrupt the growing military and technological ties between Russia and China. This marked the first time Biden publicly outlined his approach to countering the Russia-China relationship.
During a comprehensive news conference, Biden mixed defiance of critics questioning his age and acuity with several notable flubs. However, he also demonstrated a strong command of foreign policy, detailing decisions made during his presidency, particularly concerning the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.
Biden took credit for warning Europeans about the impending invasion of Ukraine in late 2021 and early 2022, and for preparing NATO to provide arms and intelligence once the war began. He used this moment to remind voters of Trump’s initial reaction to the invasion, where Trump praised President Vladimir V. Putin as “genius” and “wonderful,” implying Trump admires brute force and is influenced by Putin.
Biden expressed regret over not persuading Israeli leaders to heed his warnings post the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks. He cautioned against overreacting, referencing the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks. Biden offered to help Israel target Hamas leaders but emphasized the need to avoid occupation, drawing parallels to the failed American efforts in Afghanistan.
Biden’s stance on Israel reflects his political strategy, balancing the progressive wing of his party, which criticizes his support of Israel’s military actions, and pro-Israel Democrats demanding strong support for the Israeli government. He pointed out that he withheld only 2,000-pound bombs from Israel to prevent further civilian casualties.
The news conference concluded a two-and-a-half-day NATO summit attended by 32 leaders. Discussions ranged from strategies to expel Russian forces from Ukraine to differing views, like those of Hungarian President Viktor Orban, who advocates for a settlement favoring Russia. Orban, praised by Trump for his iron rule over Hungary, reportedly headed to Mar-a-Lago after the summit.
Biden broke new ground on Russia’s expanding relationship with China, North Korea, and Iran, acknowledging for the first time the U.S. efforts to disrupt this alliance. Previously, he had not admitted to this strategy publicly, drawing comparisons to Nixon and Kissinger’s historic opening to China. Though he did not elaborate on specifics, Biden hinted at European nations curtailing investments in China if it continues supporting Russia indirectly.
This stance marks a significant reversal from two years ago when Biden doubted that Russia and China could maintain a stable alliance given their historical enmity and border disputes. The wording, pushed by Biden’s aides, emphasized that China’s support for Russia’s war efforts would negatively impact its interests and reputation.
This NATO summit, celebrating the alliance’s 75th anniversary, highlighted the increasing alignment of NATO members against the China-Russia axis. Biden’s statements underscored the evolving geopolitical dynamics and the strategic imperatives shaping U.S. and NATO policies.
