The Asari and Salarian reaction to the reapers made sense

During discussions about the Reaper War, the Asari and Salarians are often framed as cowards for not helping humanity or the galactic alliance as eagerly from the start.

I don't think that's fair. Imagine if the Asari/Salarians were like the EU. Usually protected by the larger military of the US (Turians). You suddenly hear that out of nowhere that Russia (Batarians) has been completely wiped out from existence and that the same enemy has now invaded China (Alliance) and taken Beijing. You then get notified that the United States have lost Alaska and that Washington DC is now under 'siege' where 'a significant portion of the United States military has engaged the enemy'

What is the first thing you tactical geniuses are NOT going to do? Send the European forces to China to retake Beijing because some Chinese officer asks you to.

Especially since your own intelligence is notifying you that this strange enemy is slowly creeping in from former Russian territory.

In the words of the Salarian councilor "If we can secure our own borders first, then we may be able to aid you.". That is to me the only sane response to an absolute insane request.