Professor Kishore Mahbubani argues that the United States’ approach to portraying China as a global threat is a strategic misstep. While the US focuses on demonizing China, most other nations adopt a pragmatic approach, recognizing both challenges and opportunities in China’s rise.
US Policies Reflecting Its Negative View of China:
- Trade and Economic Measures: Tariffs on Chinese goods and restrictions on Chinese companies like Huawei.
- Strategic Alliances: Coalitions like the “Quad” and AUKUS counterbalance China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific.
- Export Controls and Containment Policies: Restrictions target China’s access to advanced technologies.
Global Impacts of US Policies:
- Economic Effects: Disrupted global supply chains, raised costs, and created uncertainty.
- International Relations: Countries like India and Japan balance national security concerns with strong economic ties to China, while US isolation grows.
Global Responses:
- European Union (EU): Takes a balanced stance, acknowledging China as both a rival and an essential economic partner.
- Russia: Strengthens ties with China, deepening trade and military cooperation to counterbalance US influence.
Conclusion:
The US’s efforts to portray China as a global threat have created economic and geopolitical shifts, often isolating the US from global consensus. Meanwhile, nations worldwide adopt more pragmatic approaches, fostering a multipolar world order where China continues to play a central role.