From Codependency to Interdependency
The Sino-American conflict is in the danger zone. We can, and must, do better—before it is too late.
The Sino-American conflict is in the danger zone. We can, and must, do better—before it is too late.
When looking at the initiative from a Sino-European relations perspective, the BRI has been, at least in part and right now, pretty much a missed opportunity– one where both sides have something to make up for.
Tonga’s partnership with China, which is within the BRI cooperation framework, demonstrates China’s positive influence in the Pacific region.
China has, indeed, had a prominent role in BRICS, but the five nations should improve their coordination, further build up their integration and stimulate more exchanges between them, expanding the platform’s agenda to also include the interests of the global South as a whole.
Neither France nor Europe will benefit from the escalation of the ‘Cold War’ mentality sought in some American foreign policy circles. France-China ties build goodwill, geopolitical certainty, stability, and, as such, peace, representing the best interests of humanity.
There has been a trend developing in Europe which involves a cleavage between hardline pro-Washington Atlanticists and European pragmatists.
Harris’ much hyped-up Africa trip was another futile exercise in anti-China hostilities. The futile efforts to sow discord between Africa and China can only expose deep-seated insecurities in America’s courtship of Africa.
China is building the norms and the global infrastructure, figuratively and in concrete and steel, for a new multilateral order based on peaceful cooperation and shared prosperity.
Instead of pointing the finger elsewhere, the U.S. must take a long look in the mirror and begin resolving the historic contradictions of a system that weaponizes democracy for the sake of hegemony and economic domination.
The Sino-European partnership is multifaceted and characterized by a dynamic interplay of agreements and disagreements. The more China and Europe engage with each other, the better.
European countries must therefore push to conduct their foreign policies with China independently, free of third-party interference, and with a view to the continent’s long-term interests.