It is an important distinction though, because standing up to US might imply leaning towards China. But standing up to US and China, implies a third option: Europe need to huddle up together.
I was only commenting on the semantic distinction of the two, not the viability of Europe superiority - though beating Murica these days can’t be impossible.
French President Emmanuel Macron is calling on medium-sized powers to join forces and stand up to the US and China.
He should ask the last group of countries that strove to be neutral between the USA and a second large power how well that worked for them.
Europe being hostile towards China isn’t exactly news though. It’s the break up of the Atlantic alliance that’s the real story.
It is an important distinction though, because standing up to US might imply leaning towards China. But standing up to US and China, implies a third option: Europe need to huddle up together.
Not really sure how that works in practice given that Europe isn’t exactly self sufficient, especially in terms of energy.
I was only commenting on the semantic distinction of the two, not the viability of Europe superiority - though beating Murica these days can’t be impossible.