Bangladesh, Feb. 21 -- The question of Europes future leadership and strategic direction is one that emerged front and center at the Munich Security Conference, with rising tensions between the United States and its European allies. As the US retreats from its traditional global leadership role, and the European Union (EU) seeks to assert its independence, the question is being asked: could China replace the United States as Europes main partner and global leader?

Historically, Europe and the US have enjoyed a symbiotic and long-standing relationship founded on shared values of democracy, trade, and security. For over three-quarters of a century, the United States has been the key ally in Europes defense and economic growth, especially i...