The world is getting a clear picture of China’s strategy in action two years after Xi Jinping announced “no limits” cooperation with Vladimir Putin, as the leaders convene once more in Beijing on May 16 and 17. It is not attractive; hence, it is supporting Vladimir Putin’s conflict in Ukraine by supplying Russia with the suppliers it needs to produce weapons. In order to enforce its false territorial claims, its coast guard is intimidating ships in the South China Sea.
Furthermore, it’s said that Chinese spies are interfering in Britain and other countries.
“Diplomatic Strategies: Examining China’s Approach in Detail”
Unlike Mr. Putin’s confrontational stance, Jinping’s approach to the world is more subtle. However, the underlying issue remains unchanged. Jinping envisions a world order where China can act freely based on its strength, advocating a ‘might makes right’ philosophy. Supporting outcast regimes serves to polarize and challenge the West without resorting to direct military conflict. Despite refraining from outright warfare, it employs ‘grey-zone coercion’ tactics in the South China Sea to undermine its adversaries. China believes it can sustain these strategies without escalating to full-scale hostilities. Each nation committed to international law must determine how to respond to Jinping’s expanding influence.
The Chinese leader has made considerable progress in enhancing ties with Russia. Jinping views Russia as a crucial ally in his effort to challenge the American-led global order, dismissing Western calls for reduced support to Mr. Putin. Economic and military ties between the two nations have deepened. In response, the United States has implemented stricter regulations and imposed tariffs on various Chinese sectors. Of particular concern are its machinery and parts destined for Russian military suppliers.
Senior American diplomat Antony Blinken implied that Russia’s ability to maintain its actions in Ukraine would be challenging without its backing. Jinping is reportedly frustrated by his lack of direct involvement in the conflict and sees no rationale for interference. Nonetheless, he stands to gain from prolonged discord that undermines Western unity.
“International Responses: Effects and Reactions to Jinping’s Actions”
On the other hand, America and its allies are concerned about the possibility that China may start a fight. Greater in size than the Mediterranean, the South China Sea is becoming harder to navigate without running into Chinese coast guard warships engaged in harmful activities. Chinese guards frequently use powerful water cannons against Philippine vessels near two disputed shoals, with force enough to deform metal. Chinese ships harass Malaysian ships searching for gas and oil in Malaysia’s exclusive economic zone—waters that China claims are its own—further south.
A confrontation between global powers emerges from Chinese assertiveness and the Philippines’ defense pact with the United States. With Taiwan preparing to swear in Lai Ching-te as its next president on May 20, the situation is tense. China increasingly disregards the island’s maritime and airspace boundaries. While the worst-case scenario of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan remains a focal point for American and allied readiness, the primary concern presently lies in a grey area where Chinese actions risk escalating tensions.
China intentionally straddles the line between peace and conflict in its operations in Europe, Asia, and other regions. A strong reaction runs the danger of coming across as excessive. However, inaction risks handing it little victories. Therefore, the first responsibility for Western nations is to call out China’s acts for what they are: a peek of the kind of international order that Chinese leaders aspire to, in which no nation would dare to question their authority or care.
Bringing China to light aids in preventing complacency. (European powers delayed too long to heed American warnings about Russia’s malicious intentions before the invasion of Ukraine.) Information can also change people’s perceptions. Surveys conducted in a few of the nations where it bullies indicate a rise in mistrust.
“Future Outlook: The Direction of Global Diplomatic Relations”
All of that facilitates the second task. America has to support its friends because they are a powerful national advantage that it does not have, not out of altruism. The persistent efforts by China and Russia to split alliances are a backhanded compliment, ranging from NATO to the US defense network in Asia. Strongness is respected by autocrats because numbers make strength.
Finally, Jinping values stability, a point the West should leverage. While Jinping supports Putin, he does not benefit from instability, unlike the Russian leader. According to Mr. Blinken, it persuaded Russia against deploying nuclear weapons in Ukraine and refrained from providing lethal weaponry. Their relationship has limits, and it is cautious about crossing certain lines in the South China Sea.
Idle hopes of transforming China are long gone because of its all-too-clear every-country-for-itself mentality. However, Jinping’s astute view of the globe also presents a chance. It is interested in averting a total breach with the West as its economy weakens. Demonstrating that bullying and hostility have consequences is the most effective strategy to curb Jinping’s actions.
